LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday appointed economist and former Columbia University president Minouche Shafik as his chief economic adviser. It’s part of a staff shakeup aimed at strengthening the government’s response to a sluggish economy and a heated political debate over immigration. Starmer’s center-left Labour Party government has struggled to boost economic growth and curb inflation, leaving Treasury chief Rachel Reeves facing unpalatable choices about taxes and spending in her budget this fall.

Appointment of Nemat “Minouche” Shafik announced after series of economic missteps by Downing Street

Minouche Shafik to join No 10 as chief economic adviser despite controversial tenure at Columbia University