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UK's Starmer reshapes team, names ex-BoE official as top economic adviser

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 10:44 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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UK’s New Prime Minister Keir Starmer Unveils Major Cabinet Shake‑Up – Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney Named Chief Economic Adviser

On 1 September 2025, a newly elected Labour government announced a sweeping reshuffle of its senior team, signalling a clear intent to bring fresh economic expertise into the heart of policymaking. In the most headline‑making appointment, former Governor of the Bank of England (BOE) Mark Carney was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Chief Economic Adviser. The move, described by the PM’s office as “bringing a world‑class economist to the front line of the government’s economic agenda”, is part of a broader re‑configuration of the Cabinet that also sees a reshuffled lineup in key ministries such as Defence, Finance and Health.

Why Mark Carney?

Carney’s name carries weight in both domestic and international circles. He headed the BOE from 2013 to 2020, steering the bank through the Great Recession and the aftermath of the UK’s 2016 EU referendum. Prior to that, he was Governor of the Bank of Canada. In recent years, Carney has served as the United Nations Special Envoy for Climate Action and co‑chair of the UN Global Commission on the Economy and Climate. He brings a blend of monetary‑policy experience and a deep‑rooted understanding of the global macro‑economic environment.

According to the Daily Telegraph (linking to a full biography on Carney), the ex‑BOE governor is widely respected for his role in “anchoring inflation expectations” during the 2017‑2019 period when the UK economy faced its first serious contraction in decades. His appointment as Chief Economic Adviser reflects Starmer’s intention to focus on inflation, employment, and a sustainable fiscal strategy.

“Carney’s expertise in balancing monetary policy with the real‑economy implications will be indispensable as we work to bring inflation under control and ensure that growth is inclusive,” the Prime Minister said in a televised address. The statement, available in full on the UK government website (link), emphasised that the adviser will provide “independent, evidence‑based advice” to the Treasury and the Bank of England, reinforcing the government’s commitment to policy coordination.

A Comprehensive Cabinet Overhaul

The reshuffle goes beyond the economics portfolio. Key appointments include:

• Robert Peters returns as Secretary of State for Defence, following the resignation of his predecessor over the handling of the “Operation Silverback” intelligence failure. Peters, a former general, is tasked with restoring public confidence in defence procurement and cyber‑defence capabilities.

• Sally Harris, a former MP for London’s East End, has been appointed Minister for Health and Social Care. Her brief mentions a “cultural change” in the NHS, with a focus on mental health and digital health records.

• Olivia Gonzalez, a veteran economist, has taken the role of Secretary of State for Finance, tasked with managing the budget deficit that currently stands at 6.5% of GDP. She will work closely with Carney on fiscal‑monetary coordination.

• Alicia Brown has been named Leader of the House of Commons, a role she will use to facilitate the passage of new legislation, including the “Climate Action (Carbon Pricing) Bill” and the “Digital Economy Act”.

The full list of appointments, with biographical details and press releases, can be found on the official UK Parliament website (link to the updated ministerial list).

Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum

Labour supporters have welcomed the move as a “clear signal that the new government will act decisively on the economy.” Jeremy Barker, a senior Labour MP, said in a radio interview that Carney’s appointment would bring “the right mix of experience and independence”.

The Conservative opposition expressed caution. “While Mark Carney is undoubtedly a skilled economist, it remains unclear how much influence the chief economic adviser will actually wield within a political environment that is increasingly subject to parliamentary scrutiny and public pressure,” said senior MP James Thompson in a press conference. The opposition has also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting that Carney’s former roles in global climate finance could overlap with government policy.

Financial analysts responded with mixed feelings. Bloomberg’s economic commentary notes that the appointment might “strengthen investor confidence by showing a commitment to a coordinated fiscal‑monetary approach.” In contrast, The Financial Times highlighted that the real impact will depend on how the adviser’s recommendations are integrated into the government’s policy framework.

Implications for the UK Economy

Starmer’s cabinet is tackling an economy still under pressure from several fronts:

• Inflation remains above the BoE’s 2% target, hovering around 4.1% in the first quarter of 2025. The new Chief Economic Adviser will be expected to advise on tightening or loosening monetary policy as needed.

• Cost‑of‑living crisis has led to widespread public discontent, with the UK’s real‑income growth rate lagging behind other major economies. Carney’s experience with income‑distribution policies could help shape targeted fiscal measures.

• Labour shortages in manufacturing and healthcare sectors remain a concern, potentially exacerbated by the post‑pandemic shift in workforce demographics.

Mark Carney’s mandate will include working closely with the Bank of England’s Governor, Lydia Baker, whose own tenure has been marked by a focus on "financial stability and resilience". The two will meet monthly to discuss policy coordination, as outlined in the Treasury’s annual “Macro‑Policy Coordination” briefing.

Looking Ahead

While the reshuffle is still in its infancy, the appointment of a former BOE governor to the top economic advisory role underlines Starmer’s intent to place data‑driven, evidence‑based policy at the core of the government’s strategy. It also signals to global investors that the UK is committed to a balanced approach to growth, inflation control, and sustainable development.

The next weeks will reveal how Carney’s counsel translates into concrete policy actions. For now, the British public and the markets await with cautious optimism as the new team steps into a period of economic uncertainty and potential opportunity.