Labour MP for Ealing North since 2019, James Murray has acted as the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury since Labour won the 2024 general election.
In the first cabinet reshuffle, Murray has now been given a more senior role – working alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Born in Ealing, James Murray studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford University. His mother, Lynne, has also been involved in politics, standing as councillor for Cleveland ward from 2014 to 2018.
Despite already having a role in Government, he remains a relative unknown, so here is an outline on what he stand for, and what can we expect from him over the next four years?
Role as Deputy Mayor for Housing
Whilst serving as the Executive Member for Housing and Development at Islington Council between 2010 and 2016, James Murray focused his efforts on affordable housing across the borough.
He was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for Housing in London in 2016 by Sadiq Khan, following his victory in the mayoral election that same year.
Murray oversaw the £4.8 billion Affordable Homes Programme and played a key role in delivering new council housing across London – the highest number built in the city in the previous 30 years.
General election experience and Member of Parlaiment
James Murray has been the MP for Ealing North since 2019, gaining a majority of 12,519 votes in the 2024 general election.
As Shadow Financial Secretary, Murray consistently opposed Conservative policy. In 2022, he claimed that the government had, “no plan,” and that they had created, “chronic economic stagnation.”
His 2024 campaign placed a focus on incresing affordable housing and reducing NHS waiting times, along with the overall aim of winning the general election. After 14 years of successive Conservative governments, Murray reiterated to his constituency that, “it’s time to turn the page and change the government.”
A Labour safe seat since 1997, Murray’s vote share decreased in the 2024 election, winning 47.8 per cent of the vote share down from 56.5 in 2019. Despite this, he rapidly made an impact, acting as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury until the cabinet reshuffle.
Voting history
A previous supporter of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, Murray has since been on the, “soft left,” of the party.
James Murray’s voting record has typically aligned with that of the Labour Party, rarely rebelling against the leadership. Notable votes include support for assisted dying, easier access to abortion, and means-testing of winter fuel payments.
The welfare reform bill was particularly controversial, with most left-wing Labour MPs voting against it. Murray, however, was one of 333 Labour MPs to vote for the bill, supporting the beliefs of the cabinet.
The mini reshuffle
Since the Labour Party won the general election in July 2024, they have faced scrutiny from opposition parties and rebel MPs alike. The economy has been a particularly divisive topic, with Rachel Reeves often enduring criticism due to government policy.
The mini reshuffle has been focused on the Treasury, with Daniel Tomlinson being moved into Murray’s former position, as well as the new ministerial position created for Darren Jones, the new Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister.
Ahead of the autumn budget, Starmer has placed a focus on strengthening the economic leadership. With Murray’s competent record, it is unsurprising that he was chosen for the promotion.
Final thought
With the general election four years away, Labour still has time to alter the negative public opinion that surrounds them. This mini reshuffle allows for the party to change their messaging, with James Murray playing a key role in the changes.
Read our profile on Daniel Tomlinson here.
Read our profile on Darren Jones here.
Featured image via HM Government.
