Ealing North MP James Murray has returned to the Treasury just a day after being replaced as Health Secretary, taking on a new role as Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General.
Mr Murray was appointed to the post on Tuesday (21 July 2026), succeeding Lord Livermore, who had served as Financial Secretary to the Treasury since July 2024.
The appointment comes after Mr Murray’s 67-day spell as Health Secretary ended on Monday (20 July 2026), when new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Yvette Cooper to the role as part of a reshuffle following his arrival in Downing Street.
As Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Murray is the government’s Growth Minister. His responsibilities include Treasury policy on skills and the workforce, regional growth and devolution, net zero, industrial strategy and trade, innovation and AI, investment and economic regulation.
Posting on X today (22 July 2026), Mr Murray said: “Hugely honoured to be asked by the Prime Minister @andyburnham to serve as Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General.
“No time to waste – straight down to business today, working with the Chancellor @JohnHealey_MP to build new hope for people across Britain.”
The appointment marks a return to the Treasury for Mr Murray, who has represented Ealing North since 2019.
He was appointed Health Secretary by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 14 May 2026 following the resignation of Wes Streeting.
Before moving to Health, Mr Murray was Chief Secretary to the Treasury, having previously served as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury after Labour came to power in 2024.
Following Ms Cooper’s appointment as Health Secretary on Monday, Mr Murray posted on X: “Huge congratulations @YvetteCooperMP on becoming Health & Social Care Secretary.
“It’s an immense honour to have served in that role since May.
“I know Yvette will do a brilliant job, as part of a government under Andy that puts the care of people at the heart of everything it does.”
