Jewish former Labour leader Ed Miliband tapped as new British foreign minister

Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood arrive for a cabinet meeting in London, July 20, 2026. (AP Photo/ Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood arrive for a cabinet meeting in London, July 20, 2026. (AP Photo/ Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Former Labour party leader Ed Miliband has been appointed the UK’s next foreign minister, while interior minister Shabana Mahmood has been reappointed to her post, new British PM Andy Burnham’s office announces.

After several years in the political wilderness after he resigned his role in 2015, Miliband, the first Jewish leader of Labour, who was energy secretary under Keir Starmer, has staged a gradual political comeback.

Tough-talking Mahmood was reportedly keen to stay in her post as she shepherds through reforms to Britain’s immigration system, aimed at cutting the number of irregular immigrants.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.

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