Hospitality welcomes ‘pragmatic’ new Labour minister

The UK Hospitality trade body has welcomed the newly appointed Labour shadow minister for the hospitality sector, Lucy Powell.

UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We are looking forward to working with Lucy Powell, who has consistently shown a deep understanding of the challenges facing the hospitality industry and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with our sector.

“Her pragmatic approach and commitment to supporting our sector will be crucial in addressing the many issues facing our members, from staffing shortages to changes in consumer spending habits and tax policies.”

Powell was appointed by Labour leader Keir Starmer in a reshuffle of the party's shadow cabinet, replacing Jim McMahon, who had held the role since 2017.

UK Hospitality launched its Vision 2025 strategy last year, which outlined a number of key objectives for the industry, including addressing staffing shortages, improving industry image and promoting investment in the sector.

“The industry is facing a perfect storm of challenges, from Brexit to the pandemic, and I am determined to support our members in navigating these challenges,”

Powell said. “I will be working closely with Kate Nicholls and the team at UK Hospitality to ensure that our sector is given the support it needs to thrive.”

UK Hospitality has called for the government to provide more support for the sector, including measures to address staffing shortages and improve the industry's image.

Reshuffle sees changes in Labour shadow cabinet

As part of the reshuffle, Starmer appointed a number of new shadow ministers, including Angela Rayner, who was promoted to deputy leader and shadow chancellor of the exchequer.

Rayner replaces Anneliese Dodds, who was moved to the role of shadow chief secretary to the Treasury.

Other new shadow ministers include:

David Lammy, who becomes shadow foreign secretary
Emily Thornberry, who becomes shadow home secretary
Jonathan Reynolds, who becomes shadow business secretary
Patricia Gibson, who becomes shadow Scottish secretary

Reshuffles are a normal part of the politics of opposition, with the aim of bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the party's policy-making process.

UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We welcome the new appointments to the Labour shadow cabinet and look forward to working with Lucy Powell and the rest of the team to address the many challenges facing our sector.”

Author's summary

The hospitality industry welcomes the new Labour shadow minister for the sector, Lucy Powell, who has shown a deep understanding of the challenges facing the industry and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. UK Hospitality looks forward to working with Powell to address the many issues facing the sector, from staffing shortages to changes in consumer spending habits and tax policies.

Morning Advertiser — 2025-11-28