Helen Whately Returns as Health Minister

Helen Whately has returned to the Department for Health and Social Care as a health minister.

Ms Whately was previously appointed minister for care just before the pandemic in February 2020 and left the role in September 2021.

Her appointment comes as new prime minister Rishi Sunak continues his Cabinet reshuffle which has seen Steve Barclay return to the role of health and social care secretary succeeding Dr Therese Coffey who has moved to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mr Barclay was first appointed as health secretary by Boris Johnson’s government after Sajid Javid quit. His return to the top health job comes seven weeks after he was replaced as health secretary under the Liz Truss government.

Positing on social media Ms Whatley said:
‘Delighted and honoured to be appointed Minister of State at @DHSCgovuk by Prime Minister @RishiSunak. Looking forward to working with @SteveBarclay & rest of the team.’