Yvette Cooper has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet reshuffle.
Cooper succeeds James Murray in the role, who himself was only in the role for less than two months.
The appointment sees Cooper take charge of the Department of Health and Social Care at a time of continued pressure on NHS services, workforce shortages and the government's commitment to long-term health and care reform.
The Health Secretary in the UK is responsible for overall financial oversight of NHS delivery and performance, alongside social care policy.
“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,” said Cooper in a post on X.
“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.”
Cooper’s background
Cooper brings nearly three decades of parliamentary experience to the post.
First elected in 1997, she has held several senior Cabinet positions, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Home Secretary and most recently Foreign Secretary.
She has also previously chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee.
Where did Wes Streeting end up?
Cooper replaces Wes Streeting, who has now moved to the role of Secretary of State for Defence as part of the cabinet reshuffle.
The former Defence Secretary, John Healey, is now Chancellor of the Exchequer following the cabinet reshuffle.
Cooper’s appointment has been welcomed by healthcare organisations, with NHS Alliance calling for continuity in health policy and sustained collaboration with NHS leaders and frontline staff as the new government begins implementing its programme.
Cooper joins Burnham's newly formed Cabinet as they prepare to deliver wider reforms across health and social care, with ministers expected to focus on reducing waiting lists, strengthening community-based care and addressing long-term workforce challenges.
