Victoria Atkins steps up as the Health Secretary to tackle ongoing NHS challenges

MP Victoria Atkins has been appointed the new Health Secretary as part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle

Louth and Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins has taken on the new role of Health Secretary today (13 November) amid the PM's cabinet reshuffle.

Steve Barclay, the former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, was moved to become Environment Secretary after being assigned the role of Health Secretary.

The following decision was made in consequence of Steve Barclay being reassigned from the role.

The news comes at a time when the NHS faces enduring challenges and industrial action, making this change particularly significant.

MP Atkins is married to Paul Kenward, managing director of British Sugar, which also grows medicinal cannabis.

As the new Health Secretary, her responsibilities include overall financial control and oversight of NHS delivery and performance and social care policy.

The news was announced on X (formerly Twitter) by the UK Prime Minister's social media account, it read: "Victoria Atkins MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care."

The Department of Health and Social Care community posted a welcoming message for the new Health Secretary, it read: Welcoming Victoria Atkins MP to her new role as Secretary of State at DHSC, our Chair, MP Steve Brine said: "Her appointment comes at a critical time for the NHS with the number of patients waiting for treatment at a record high..."

MP Steve Barclay was previously Secretary of State for Health and Social Care between October 2022 and now.

The announcement was made on X by the UK Prime Minister's Twitter handle, it read: "The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs."