British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser, part of efforts to bolster his team before what is set to be a difficult end to the year.

Shafik's appointment and a move to bring Darren Jones, finance minister Rachel Reeves' deputy, to his Downing Street office indicate that Starmer believes he needs better economic advice before a budget later this year that is expected to include further tax rises.

Jones will be replaced by Labour lawmaker James Murray, who held a more junior role in the finance ministry, Starmer's office said in a statement.

In a wider shake-up of Downing Street operations, Starmer also replaced his principal private secretary, who runs his team's office, and appointed

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