Thérèse Coffey appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Thérèse Coffey has been appointed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following a reshuffle of cabinet positions by the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss.

Coffey replaces Steve Barclay as health secretary, who was appointed in early July by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, serving in the role for just two months. Prior to Barclay, it was Sajid Javid who held the position before he resigned, saying he “can no longer continue in good conscience”.

Coffey, who will also serve as deputy Prime Minister, took to Twitter to express her delight at being asked to serve as health secretary. She also made it clear that patients are her “top priority” and laid out the following areas of focus: ambulances, backlogs, care and doctors and dentists.

I am honoured to be asked to serve as SoS for Health and Social Care. Patients are my top priority, as we focus on ABCD – ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists https://t.co/AIrIOfvkyn

— Thérèse Coffey (@theresecoffey) September 7, 2022

The now former health secretary Barclay said on Twitter: “After 7 years in government I am returning to the backbenches. Thanks to colleagues, both political and civil service, for their fantastic support. Wishing Liz Truss and her ministerial team every success for the future.”

Coffey previously served as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2019 to 2022 and has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suffolk Coastal since 2010.