Darren Jones Takes on Pivotal Role as PM’s Chief Secretary
Sir Keir Starmer has moved swiftly to strengthen his Downing Street team, appointing rising Labour star Darren Jones to a newly created ministerial position.
The Chingford MP will become the Prime Minister’s chief secretary, a role that includes Cabinet attendance and oversight of government-wide initiatives.
Downing Street confirmed Mr Jones will be “directly overseeing work across Government to support the delivery of the Prime Minister’s priorities.”
This shake-up sees Mr Jones leave his former role as chief secretary to the Treasury. He will be succeeded by Treasury minister James Murray, who will effectively act as deputy to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
In turn, Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson steps into Mr Murray’s previous position as Treasury exchequer secretary.
The appointment comes amid a broader strategy to bolster economic expertise at the heart of government.
Labour MP Darren Jones has been appointed ‘Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister.’
This is the same man who once claimed the majority of illegal Channel migrants in small boats were “children, babies, and women.”
This is who Keir Starmer has running Britain alongside him. pic.twitter.com/e0ncXmviEW
— Nicholas Lissack (@NicholasLissack) September 1, 2025
Sir Keir recently appointed Baroness Minouche Shafik, former president of Columbia University and an ex-deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser.
Downing Street suggests her presence will be vital ahead of the autumn budget, where Chancellor Reeves is expected to navigate complex decisions on taxation and spending.
Change has been a constant theme at No 10 in recent months. Last week, Sir Keir announced that Nin Pandit, the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary, would assume a new role focused on delivering key priorities.
This follows the departures of chief of staff Sue Gray and communications director Matthew Doyle, marking three senior exits in under a year.
Speculation had circulated about a wider ministerial reshuffle following the summer recess. Government sources, however, indicate that no immediate changes to junior ministers are expected in early September.
The reshuffle signals a clear intent by Sir Keir to consolidate his leadership team. With Mr Jones now operating from No 10, the Prime Minister’s priorities appear set to take centre stage as Labour prepares for the coming parliamentary sessions.
