This site is intended for health professionals only


Steve Barclay reappointed as health and social care secretary

Steve Barclay reappointed as health and social care secretary
Credit: Parliament, Creative Commons

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reappointed Steve Barclay as health and social care secretary, with Therese Coffey moving to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mr Barclay was health secretary for a short while upon being appointed by Boris Johnson in July this year, after Sajid Javid resigned. He was succeeded by Dr Coffey when Liz Truss took over as prime minister.

Related Article: Nursing in a ‘strong position’ to help prevention agenda, says deputy CNO

During his time as health and social care secretary, he approved an average 4% pay increase for nurses on Agenda for Changea wage rise that has triggered industrial action ballots across health unions.

In 2018, Mr Barclay had also served as health minister. He has been considered a Boris Johnson loyalist and was a fervent supporter of the leave campaign.

During his brief first tenure as health secretary, Mr Barclay ordered civil servants to significantly increase overseas recruitment of health and social care staff as he warns that there will be a ‘sprint’ to prepare the health services for winter.

See how our symptom tool can help you make better sense of patient presentations
Click here to search a symptom