In a major reshuffle of the UK's Opposition Labour Party, leader Sir Keir Starmer has demoted several shadow ministers, including Indian-origin politicians Lisa Nandy and Preet Kaur Gill. Nandy, the Member of Parliament for Wigan and daughter of Kolkata-born academic Dipak Nandy, was moved from her role as shadow levelling up secretary to become an international development minister. This position was previously held by Gill, who is the first British Sikh female member of Parliament. On social media, both politicians expressed their support for Starmer's leadership and the need for a Labour government.

Nandy, known for her work in race relations, now joins the Department for International Development, which falls within the Foreign Office remit under the Conservative Party government. In a tweet, she emphasized the potential of the country and the need for a government that will spread power and opportunity more widely. Nandy referred to her book 'All In,' released this month, which highlights her political vision for a fairer society. Meanwhile, Gill highlighted the challenges faced during her tenure as shadow secretary for international development, including the global pandemic, Afghanistan's exit, and the war in Ukraine. She expressed pride in holding the government accountable for its decisions but stressed the urgency of removing the current administration for a mission-driven Labour government.

Gill's backing of Starmer's leadership reflected her belief that he is the Prime Minister Britain needs. Starmer's reshuffle also involved promotions for two other minority ethnic politicians. Pakistani-origin Shabana Mahmood has become shadow justice secretary, while Sri Lankan origin Thangam Debbonaire is now the shadow culture secretary. These changes come as the Labour Party prepares for the upcoming general election expected next year. While the senior-most roles in Starmer's shadow cabinet remain unchanged, with Rachel Reeves as shadow chancellor, Yvette Cooper as shadow home secretary, Wes Streeting as shadow health secretary, and David Lammy as shadow foreign secretary, the reshuffle indicates the party's strategic preparations for the upcoming election and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.