November 13th 2023

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Victoria Atkins named as new health and care secretary

Barclay moved to environment

Lincolnshire MP Victoria Atkins has been named as the new health secretary in today’s reshuffle.

Atkins has a track record of active interest in health and social care, having raised concerns in the past over access to dentistry and over the closure of the Urgent Treatment Centre in her Louth & Horncastle constituency.

The DDA has 13 DDA member practices in her constituency.

Prior to the health and care post, Atkins was financial secretary to the Treasury. Before that, she was  a minister for justice and Afghan resettlement

Making way for Atkins is Steve Barclay, who moves from health to environment.  

Pharmacy minister Neil O’Brien (Harborough) is also reported to have stepped down to focus on constituency affairs.