Yvette Cooper has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Cooper takes over from James Murray, who was appointed by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer in May. Murray came in following the resignation of Wes Streeting who had been appointed immediately after the 2024 General Election.
Reacting to the appointment on X, Cooper said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed Health Secretary by Andy Burnham – 27 years after I worked on the first NHS Cancer Plan as a junior health minister.
“I’m looking forward to working urgently to improve maternity services, to take forward plans for social care, and to once again play a part in supporting our National Health Service, Labour’s proudest achievement.
“Most of all I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated NHS staff, carers, healthcare professionals and volunteers on whom we all depend…”
Date: 21 July