Starmer shakes up his Shadow Health Team

Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer has today announced a reshuffle of his Shadow front bench - expected to be his final before the General Election, and giving the party an opportunity to fire the starting gun on the campaign at their Conference in a little over a month. 

Wes Streeting remains Shadow Health Secretary, whilst Liz Kendall - the former Shadow Social Care Minister - has entered the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary.

Starmer has opted for a ‘safety first’ approach, with few new faces, but many moving to new roles. Shadow Cabinet Ministers aligned with one of the party’s five Missions - such as Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting - have remained in post.

Streeting joined Rt Hon Anne Milton for a Health Communities event in Parliament earlier this year.

Wes Streeting and Rt Hon Anne Milton

Starmer’s Shadow Health Team has seen significant changes. Karin Smyth has been appointed Shadow Minister of State for Health, deputising for Streeting on NHS Reform. Last year, Karin joined Rt Hon Anne Milton for a Health Communities seminar with leading healthcare organisations.

Andrew Gwynne has been appointed Shadow Minister for Social Care, whilst Preet Gill becomes Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health.

Abena Oppong-Asare has been appointed Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Women’s Health, whilst Feral Clark remains a Shadow Health Minister.

Further appointments are set to be announced in the coming days.