Steve Barclay appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The former chief of staff at Number 10 has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Steve Barclay’s appointment comes after a number of cabinet members resigned on July 5, including former health secretary Sajid Javid.

The North East Cambridgeshire MP shared his delight on Twitter about his new role.

Delighted to be back at @DHSCgovuk taking up the role of Health & Social Care Secretary.

Looking forward to working with fantastic @NHSEngland & social care staff.

Together we will beat the Covid backlogs, boost patient access & ensure health services deliver for everyone. https://t.co/PaFG8QzmU8

— Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) July 5, 2022

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.”

His predecessor, Javid, published his resignation letter to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and said it had been a “privilege” to serve as health secretary but added he “can no longer continue in good conscience”.

“We [Conservative party] may not have always been popular, but we have been competent in acting in the national interest,” the letter stated.

“Sadly, in the current circumstances, the public are concluding that we are now neither.

“The vote of confidence last month showed that a large number of our colleagues agree.

“I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership and you have therefore lost my confidence too.”