Wes Streeting says new Health Secretary has his ‘full support’ after replacement is revealed

WorldPolitics
15 May 2026 • 4:44 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Wes Streeting says new Health Secretary has his ‘full support’ after replacement is revealed

  • James Murray, formerly Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has been appointed as the new Health Secretary following Wes Streeting's resignation.
  • Mr Streeting said in a post on X that Mr Murray has his “full support” and that “he inherits a wonderful team and an important mission”.
  • Mr Streeting resigned from his role on Thursday, stating it would be "dishonourable and unprincipled" to remain in Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet. He criticised a "drift" and "vacuum" in the government's leadership, asserting that Sir Keir would not lead Labour into the next general election.
  • His resignation could precipitate a Labour leadership contest, with figures like Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and Al Carns considered potential candidates.
  • Andy Burnham has also indicated his intention to return to Parliament via a by-election, following Josh Simons' resignation, to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership.

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