Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, said on July 23 that Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Yvette Cooper as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The appointment is intended to drive forward the government's priorities for reforming the health and social care sector across England.
Whitehouse said plans are likely to include delivery of a new strategy for the future of social care, greater devolution of health and social care, and a clearer focus on prevention and removing health inequalities.
Cooper has previously served as both Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary. While she has not recently held ministerial positions dealing with health and social care, she began her ministerial career as a junior health minister—Parliamentary Under Secretary of State—in 1999 before moving on from that position in 2002.
Whitehouse said, “Undoubtedly talented and intelligent, she will bring new ideas and experience of delivering change to the role.”
Further appointments at the Department of Health and Social Care are expected in the coming days. Whitehouse said there is particular interest in how responsibilities for medtech, life sciences, innovation, and prevention will be allocated.
