New health secretary named

Sajid Javid has resigned and been replaced by Steve Barclay as health and social care secretary. 

Mr Barclay, previously chief of staff to the prime minister, was reported as having been given the role on Tuesday evening.

Mr Barclay said: “It is an honour to take up the position of Health and Social Care Secretary. Our NHS and social care staff have showed us time and again - throughout the pandemic and beyond - what it means to work with compassion and dedication to transform lives.  This government is investing more than ever before in our NHS and care services to beat the Covid backlogs, recruit 50,000 more nurses, reform social care and ensure patients across the country can access the care they need.” 

Mr Barclay’s appointment came hours after Mr Javid — health secretary since June last year — announced his resignation, saying in a letter to Boris Johnson that he “can no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government” and that Mr Johnson has lost his confidence.

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Source: HSJ, 6 July 2022