Second Shadow Cabinet of Harriet Harman


Harriet Harman's second Shadow Cabinet was formed by Harriet Harman in 2015 during her second period as acting Leader of the Labour Party. She assumed this role after Ed Miliband resigned as party leader and announced she would continue until a new leader was elected on 12 September 2015. Miliband's resignation followed the party's defeat at the 2015 general election.

Creation

On 11 May 2015, Harman announced the make-up of her Shadow Cabinet. Most members of Miliband's last shadow cabinet continued in their roles with the following exceptions:
Additionally, Benn was given responsibility for the despatch box during deputy PMQs against George Osborne in his role as First Secretary of State.
Harman's first shadow cabinet had been formed during a similar period as pro tempore leader after Gordon Brown's resignation following the 2010 general election.

Changes

On 13 May 2015, Baroness Royall of Blaisdon announced that she would be stepping down as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords. Baroness Smith of Basildon was elected unopposed as her successor by Labour peers on 27 May 2015, and thus took her place in the shadow cabinet.
In May 2015, Rachel Reeves went on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child. Stephen Timms became Acting Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Members of the Shadow Cabinet

Sources: