The PM has reappointed Steve Barclay as Health Secretary.
Thérèse Coffey has been removed, and Steve Barclay has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
It comes as new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appoints his Cabinet after promising more economical and political stability earlier today.
Goodbye Coffey
Dr Coffey served just 48 days in office, making her the shortest-serving Health Secretary in history and bringing her ABCD (ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists) plans into question.
During her time in the role, Dr Coffey was subject to controversy after suggesting nurses who were unhappy in the UK could leave and notably totally failing to announce any plans to address the current nursing shortage.
She also already made her views very clear on NHS pay and has rejected any notion of an above-inflation pay offer for NHS workers at every opportunity.
Hello Barclay
Returning to the role he held briefly over the summer, Mr Barclay previously served as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and has subsequently served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Downing Street Chief of Staff.
He has no known experience in health or social care, having trained as a solicitor and worked in finance before becoming an MP.
Strike action.
Nurses United UK has quickly called out the reappointment and added to calls for nursing staff to vote for strike action. Lead Organiser Anthony Johnson explained, “A new Conservative Health Secretary means no safety for nurses and their patients. Thérèse Coffey or Stephen Barclay? Both consistently voted to underfund our NHS, and both attacked staff with unachievable targets.
“The only event that created an improvement for nurses was in 2019 when Northern Irish nurses voted to take industrial action. That’s why we need to vote to take strike action. It’s the only thing this Government understands. It’s the only thing that will show them nurses are powerful and willing to stand up for themselves and our patients.
