Ealing North MP James Murray has been replaced as Health Secretary just 67 days after being appointed, as new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham reshuffles the Cabinet following his arrival in Downing Street today (20 July 2026).
Yvette Cooper has been appointed Health and Social Care Secretary, returning to the Cabinet after previously serving as Foreign Secretary under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. She had earlier served as Home Secretary before moving to the Foreign Office.
Mr Murray, who has represented Ealing North since 2019, was appointed Health Secretary by Mr 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.
Posting on X following Ms Cooper’s appointment, Mr Murray said: “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.”
Deleted: At time of writing, it is not yet known whether Mr Murray will be given another government position as Mr Burnham continues to make appointments to his new administration.
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