Yvette Cooper has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, as Andy Burnham named his first Cabinet as Prime Minister.
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.
Since that General Election victory two years ago, Cooper has also held the roles of Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, and has been a Member of Parliament since 1997. Her experience in the Department of Health and Social Care goes as far back as 1999, when she was promoted to Parliamentary under-secretary of State and played a role in the implementation of the Sure Start programme, and the development of the first NHS Cancer Plan.
Following her appointment, Cooper posted the following message on her X.com (formerly Twitter) account:
“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…”
Image credit: UK Government
