Prime Minister Theresa May has named West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock as the new secretary of state for health and social care.
The move comes amid a period of sudden turmoil for the government, which saw the appointment of Jeremy Hunt as foreign secretary following Boris Johnson’s resignation in protest over May’s proposed Brexit deal.
Hancock takes the reigns at a crucial time for health and social care services, which are creaking under the strain of a mix of pressures including increasing demand, a staffing crisis, and a lack of funds.
Taking to Twitter to celebrate his new role, Hancock said: “Really looking forward to joining @DHSCgovuk at such an important time for our great NHS. I can’t wait to get started.”
Hancock was secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport from 8 January 2018 to 9 July 2018. He was previously minister of state for digital from July 2016 to January 2018.
Before his move to politics, he worked for his family business, as an economist at the Bank of England, and as chief of staff to the shadow chancellor of the exchequer. He holds degrees from Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
