James Murray was appointed Health Secretary in May 2026, succeeding Wes Streeting after Streeting resigned. He previously served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and has been the MP for Ealing North since 2019. [Sources: multiple reports from May 14, 2026, including Reuters/Independent coverage confirming the appointment and Downing Street statements.]
Key points
- Role change: Health Secretary, taken over from Wes Streeting who stepped down in May 2026.[3][5]
- Background: Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury (and ex-Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury); MP for Ealing North; long involvement in Treasury and London housing policy.[7][8]
- Context: The appointment followed Streeting’s resignation amid leadership‑cycle tensions within the Labour government.[5][6][3]
If you’d like, I can pull the most current statements from Downing Street or outline Murray’s stated health policy priorities and any early actions as Health Secretary.
Sources
James Murray has been appointed as the new Health Secretary following Wes Streeting's resignation. Mr Murray had held the role as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and was previously the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. He is also the MP for Ealing North, a post he has held sine 2019. In 2016, having advised Sadiq Khan during his successful selection and election campaigns to become Mayor of London, he was named as London's Deputy Mayor for Housing. In the role he championed a new 'fast...
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www.standard.co.ukJames Murray has served as the Member of Parliament for Ealing North since 2019. He was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 14 May 2026. He was previously Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 1 September 2025 to 14 May 2026. He previously held the office of Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, having been shadow Financial Secretary for three and a half years before that.
www.gov.ukWes Streeting resigned from the role on Thursday, saying it would be dishonourable and unprincipled' to continue in the Cabinet under Starmer
www.independent.co.uk