UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reshuffled his Downing Street team to tighten control over government and tackle falling Labour poll numbers.

New Roles and Economic Focus

Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones will take a new role in Number 10. He will “drive forward progress in key policy areas” and report directly to the Prime Minister, the Financial Times reported.

Starmer also appointed Baroness Minouche Shafik, former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. These moves aim to strengthen economic expertise in Downing Street.

The Conservative Party criticized the changes. Andrew Griffith, shadow business secretary, said, “A stronger prime minister would have gone the whole hog and fired her, not just created his own shadow chancellor.”

Allies of Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the reshuffle. One said, “It’s important that Number 10 has a strong economic voice just as it already does on foreign policy. This pushes the economic message across government and helps us do our job.”

Media Shake-Up

Starmer hired Tim Allan, former media adviser to Tony Blair, as executive director of communications. Allan will work with current communications director Steph Driver to revamp Downing Street messaging.

The move continues Starmer’s trend of bringing back experienced New Labour figures. Jonathan Powell became national security adviser, and Lord Mandelson returned as US ambassador.

Delivery Across Government

Jones will act as Starmer’s “enforcer” in Number 10. He previously managed a complex cross-Whitehall spending review. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden will also take on a bigger role in shaping Labour’s political strategy.

James Lyons, director of communications (strategy), and Liz Lloyd, policy delivery director, are leaving, marking the latest high-level departures.

Treasury Changes

Exchequer Secretary James Murray replaces Jones at the Treasury. Newly elected MP Dan Tomlinson will succeed Murray. Dan York-Smith will serve as Starmer’s principal private secretary, managing his schedule and briefings. Chancellor Reeves also appointed LSE professor John Van Reenen as her new growth adviser.

Reason for the Shake-Up

The reshuffle comes as MPs return from summer recess. Labour polls at just 20%, and Starmer faces pressure before the autumn Budget. “Keir thought about this over the summer,” said an ally. “These are the right changes to bolster the operation and drive delivery.”