LONDON(National times)- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, appointing Pakistani-origin Member of Parliament Shabana Mahmood as the UK’s Home Secretary. Under this decision, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been made Deputy Prime Minister, while Yvette Cooper has been appointed the new Foreign Secretary. The Home Office portfolio has been handed over to Shabana Mahmood, who previously served as Justice Secretary. At 44, Shabana Mahmood is regarded within the Labour Party as a strong, outspoken, and “safe pair of hands” politician. During her tenure as Justice Secretary, her bold and pragmatic policies were given significant importance. Shabana Mahmood was born on 17 September 1980 in Birmingham. Her mother’s name is Zubeda, and her father’s name is Mahmood Ahmed. Her parents are of Pakistani origin and hail from Mirpur in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Angela Rayner’s resignation proved to be a major setback for Prime Minister Starmer, who is already facing internal party issues and ministerial resignations. The UK’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards ruled that Rayner had violated the ministerial code by failing to pay £40,000 in tax due when purchasing a new home. In her resignation, Rayner apologized to the PM, saying she should have sought further tax advice. She also stepped down as Deputy Party Leader, making David Lammy a strong contender for the position. According to political analysts, this cabinet reshuffle is an attempt by Prime Minister Starmer to restore his credibility, but Angela Rayner’s departure has further increased pressure on the Labour government, especially at a time when public surveys show Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party gaining popularity. Addressing a party conference in Birmingham, Nigel Farage said Rayner’s resignation is proof that the Labour government is in a “serious crisis” and may be forced to call the next elections before 2027. Political circles agree that Shabana Mahmood’s appointment is not only a stabilizing choice for the Labour Party but also a historic moment for the Pakistani-origin community in the UK.