Putney MP Fleur Anderson has been removed from her role as Northern Ireland Minister following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s major cabinet reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation.
Anderson, who served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from July 2024 until 7 September 2025, has been replaced by Wirral West MP Matthew Patrick in the sweeping government changes announced yesterday.
In a letter to the Prime Minister dated September 7th, Anderson expressed her disappointment at leaving the role while highlighting her achievements during her time in office. “I am disappointed to be leaving this role, as Northern Ireland holds a very special place in my heart. I wish my successor all the very best,” she wrote.
Anderson thanked Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, for his support, stating: “I am sincerely grateful to Hilary Benn for his unwavering support and leadership throughout my time in office. His wisdom and guidance have been invaluable, and I have learned so much from our collaboration.”
Key achievements highlighted
The Putney MP outlined several accomplishments during her tenure, including working on “meaningful reset in relations and fostered change not only within Northern Ireland but across all of our collective efforts to address the legacy of the past and to seek justice for families and victims.”
She also emphasised her work on supporting Northern Ireland’s economy, reforming public services, tackling violence against women and girls, and promoting integrated education. “I have worked closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and other government departments to support Northern Ireland’s thriving businesses, voluntary and community organisations, and to reform public services, particularly healthcare,” Anderson wrote.
New appointment
Matthew Patrick, who was elected as Labour MP for Wirral West in July 2024, takes over the Northern Ireland brief. The 34-year-old previously worked in financial regulation and served as a Wirral councillor from 2013 to 2018. Patrick, who is Jewish and swore his parliamentary oath on the Torah, was most recently serving as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the departments for Culture, Media and Sport and Science, Innovation and Technology.
Major cabinet reshuffle context
Anderson’s removal comes as part of a major government reshuffle triggered by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s resignation on Friday morning following a tax scandal. Rayner admitted underpaying stamp duty on an £800,000 flat, leading to her departure after an ethics investigation found she had breached the ministerial code.
The reshuffle has seen dramatic changes across government:
Major changes:
- David Lammy appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, moving from Foreign Secretary
- Yvette Cooper moved from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary
- Shabana Mahmood promoted from Justice Secretary to Home Secretary
- Steve Reed takes over from Rayner as Housing Secretary
- Douglas Alexander appointed as Scotland Secretary, replacing Ian Murray
Other ministerial changes:
- Pat McFadden becomes Work and Pensions Secretary
- Peter Kyle appointed Business and Trade Secretary
- Liz Kendall moves to Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary
- Emma Reynolds becomes Environment Secretary
- Darren Jones retains Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister role and gains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Ministers leaving government:
Alongside Anderson, other ministers departing include Janet Daby MP, Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, Justin Madders MP, Gareth Thomas MP, Feryal Clark MP, and Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP. House of Commons Leader Lucy Powell and Scotland Secretary Ian Murray were also removed from their posts.
The reshuffle marks a historic moment, with women now holding three of the four “Great Offices of State” for the first time in British history – Rachel Reeves as Chancellor, Yvette Cooper as Foreign Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, alongside Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Anderson’s future role
Despite leaving government, Anderson emphasised her continued commitment to her constituents, stating: “I remain fully committed to the Labour government’s vision for stronger, fairer, and greener communities, with rising living standards for all. I will continue to wholeheartedly serve the people of Putney, Southfields, Roehampton and Wandsworth Town, and to champion the issues that matter most to us.”
The Putney MP concluded her letter: “I look forward to continuing our work together and seeing the positive impact of the changes we are making, based on fair opportunities for everyone, which only Labour can deliver.”
The reshuffle comes as Labour trails Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in national polls, with commentators noting it represents a shift toward the political center-right as Starmer attempts to reset his government after a challenging first year in power.
The island of Irelands loss is perhaps Putneys gain as Fleur will no doubt have more time to concentrate her efforts serving in her constituency.
Liaising with the mayor’s office regarding repairs to and the reopening to traffic of the Hammersmith bridge would be a grand start as would improving the road crossing points adjacent East Putney tube station.