New ministers named to Department of Health

Three new ministers have been appointed to the Department of Health.

Former vice chair of the Conservative Party, Nicola Blackwood, has been named the parliamentary under secretary of state for public health and innovation. She will lead on all aspects of public health and health protection as well as technology, innovation and data.

The new parliamentary under secretary of state for community health and care is David Mowat. In his first ministerial role since being elected MP for Warrington South in 2010, Mowat will be responsible for adult social care, carers, community services, cancer, dementia, learning disabilities and all elements of primary care.

Former assistant government whip Philip Dunne – who also spent four years at the ministry of defence – joins the department as minister of state for health. Dunne’s brief includes overseeing all aspects of hospital care, NHS performance and operations, the workforce, patient safety and maternity care.

Jeremy Hunt kept his job as secretary of state for health during Theresa May's first major reshuffle since becoming Prime Minister earlier this month.