Al Carns declines ministerial post amid funding gap
Former defence minister Al Carns has again declined a government return tied to Burnham’s premiership, insisting the defence funding package remains unsettled and insufficient for the threats the UK faces. The ongoing funding dispute continues to shape political dynamics, with Healey now chancellor and Streeting as defence secretary signaling a potential shift toward greater military investment, while Carns maintains backbench pressure on defence spending.
Politics · 7 sources · Jul 23, 2026Read itThe journal
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About John Healey
John Healey is a British politician who has served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under prime minister Andy Burnham since 20 July 2026. He previously served as Secretary of State for Defence under Keir Starmer from 2024 to 2026. A member of the Labour Party, he has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, formerly Wentworth and Wentworth and Dearne, since 1997. He previously held various junior ministerial positions under prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown from 2001 to 2010.
Everything about John Healey →- Occupation
- politician, trade unionist
- Position held
- Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Economic Secretary to the Treasury
- Citizenship
- United Kingdom
- Born
- February 13, 1960
- Website
- https://www.johnhealeymp.co.uk