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| suboffice3 = Housing
| suboffice3 = Housing
{{collapsed infobox section end}}}}
{{collapsed infobox section end}}}}
| office7 = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]]<br />for [[Rawmarsh and Conisbrough (UK Parliament constituency)|Rawmarsh and Conisbrough]]{{efn|[[Wentworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth]] (1997–2010), [[Wentworth and Dearne (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth and Dearne]] (2010–2024)}}
| office7 = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]]<br />for [[Rawmarsh and Conisbrough]]<br/>{{nobold|[[Wentworth and Dearne (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth and Dearne]] (2010–2024)<br>[[Wentworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth]] (1997-2010)}}
| term_start7 = 1 May 1997
| term_start7 = 1 May 1997
| predecessor7 = [[Peter Hardy, Baron Hardy of Wath|Peter Hardy]]
| predecessor7 = [[Peter Hardy, Baron Hardy of Wath|Peter Hardy]]
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| children = 1
| children = 1
}}
}}
'''John Healey''' (born 13 February 1960) is a British politician serving as [[Secretary of State for Defence]] since July 2024. A member of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], he has been [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Rawmarsh and Conisbrough (UK Parliament constituency)|Rawmarsh and Conisbrough]], formerly [[Wentworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth]] and [[Wentworth and Dearne]] respectively, since [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997]].
'''John Healey''' (born 13 February 1960) is a British politician serving as [[Secretary of State for Defence]] since July 2024. A member of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], he has been the [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Rawmarsh and Conisbrough]], formerly [[Wentworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth]] and [[Wentworth and Dearne]] respectively, since [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997]].


Healey served under [[Tony Blair]] as [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Adult Skills]] from 1997 to 2001, as [[Economic Secretary to the Treasury]] from 2002 to 2005, [[Financial Secretary to the Treasury]] from 2005 to 2007, and under [[Gordon Brown]] as [[Minister of State for Local Government]] from 2007 to 2009 and as [[Minister of State for Housing and Planning]] from 2009 to 2010.
Healey served under [[Tony Blair]] as [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Adult Skills]] from 1997 to 2001, as [[Economic Secretary to the Treasury]] from 2002 to 2005, [[Financial Secretary to the Treasury]] from 2005 to 2007, and under [[Gordon Brown]] as [[Minister of State for Local Government]] from 2007 to 2009 and as [[Minister of State for Housing and Planning]] from 2009 to 2010.
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Healey's first attempt to enter Parliament was as candidate for [[Ryedale (UK Parliament constituency)|Ryedale]] at the [[1992 United Kingdom general election|1992 general election]], where he finished in third with 13.8% of the vote behind the incumbent [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] MP [[John Greenway (British politician)|John Greenway]] and the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] [[Elizabeth Shields]].<ref name="electoralcalculus1992">{{cite web |title=Election Data 1992 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054418/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=18 October 2015 |publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=9 April 1992 |title=Politics Resources |url=http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge92/ge92index.htm |access-date=6 Dec 2010 |work=Election 1992 |publisher=Politics Resources}}</ref>
Healey's first attempt to enter Parliament was as candidate for [[Ryedale (UK Parliament constituency)|Ryedale]] at the [[1992 United Kingdom general election|1992 general election]], where he finished in third with 13.8% of the vote behind the incumbent [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] MP [[John Greenway (British politician)|John Greenway]] and the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] [[Elizabeth Shields]].<ref name="electoralcalculus1992">{{cite web |title=Election Data 1992 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054418/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=18 October 2015 |publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=9 April 1992 |title=Politics Resources |url=http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge92/ge92index.htm |access-date=6 Dec 2010 |work=Election 1992 |publisher=Politics Resources}}</ref>


=== In government (1997-2010) ===
=== In government (1997–2010) ===
At the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 general election]], Healey was the Labour Party candidate for [[Wentworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth]], which had become available following the retirement of the Labour MP [[Peter Hardy, Baron Hardy of Wath|Peter Hardy]]. Healey was elected to Parliament with 72.3% of the vote and a majority of 23,959.<ref name="electoralcalculus1997">{{cite web |title=Election Data 1997 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1997.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054424/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1997.txt |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=18 October 2015 |publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]}}</ref>
At the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 general election]], Healey was the Labour Party candidate for [[Wentworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Wentworth]], which had become available following the retirement of the Labour MP [[Peter Hardy, Baron Hardy of Wath|Peter Hardy]]. Healey was elected to Parliament with 72.3% of the vote and a majority of 23,959.<ref name="electoralcalculus1997">{{cite web |title=Election Data 1997 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1997.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054424/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1997.txt |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=18 October 2015 |publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]}}</ref>


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In a Cabinet reshuffle on 5 June 2009, he was appointed [[Minister of State for Housing and Planning]], replacing [[Margaret Beckett]] who had resigned. While Minister of State for Housing and Planning, he was criticised for suggesting that more people renting properties rather than buying their own homes was a good thing.<ref>{{cite news|title=John Healey, housing minister, attacked for lauding fall in ownership|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/6789476/John-Healey-housing-minister-attacked-for-lauding-fall-in-ownership.html|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=13 December 2017|date=11 December 2009}}</ref>
In a Cabinet reshuffle on 5 June 2009, he was appointed [[Minister of State for Housing and Planning]], replacing [[Margaret Beckett]] who had resigned. While Minister of State for Housing and Planning, he was criticised for suggesting that more people renting properties rather than buying their own homes was a good thing.<ref>{{cite news|title=John Healey, housing minister, attacked for lauding fall in ownership|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/6789476/John-Healey-housing-minister-attacked-for-lauding-fall-in-ownership.html|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=13 December 2017|date=11 December 2009}}</ref>


===In opposition (2010-2024)===
===In opposition (2010–2024)===
At the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]] Healey was elected to Parliament as the MP for the newly created constituency of [[Wentworth and Dearne]] with 50.6% of the vote and a majority of 13,920.<ref name="electoralcalculus2010">{{cite web |title=Election Data 2010 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726162034/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=17 October 2015 |publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]}}</ref><ref name="BBC-eln2010">{{cite news |date=7 May 2010 |title=Election results: Wentworth & Dearne |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/election2010/results/constituency/f04.stm |access-date=7 May 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
At the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]] Healey was elected to Parliament as the MP for the newly created constituency of [[Wentworth and Dearne]] with 50.6% of the vote and a majority of 13,920.<ref name="electoralcalculus2010">{{cite web |title=Election Data 2010 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726162034/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=17 October 2015 |publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]}}</ref><ref name="BBC-eln2010">{{cite news |date=7 May 2010 |title=Election results: Wentworth & Dearne |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/election2010/results/constituency/f04.stm |access-date=7 May 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref>


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Following the [[2020 Labour Party leadership election (UK)|election]] of [[Keir Starmer]] as leader of the Labour party, Healey was appointed [[Shadow Secretary of State for Defence]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-06 |title=John Healey Appointed Shadow Defence Secretary |url=https://www.forces.net/news/john-healey-appointed-shadow-defence-secretary |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[British Forces Broadcasting Service]] |language=en}}</ref>
Following the [[2020 Labour Party leadership election (UK)|election]] of [[Keir Starmer]] as leader of the Labour party, Healey was appointed [[Shadow Secretary of State for Defence]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-06 |title=John Healey Appointed Shadow Defence Secretary |url=https://www.forces.net/news/john-healey-appointed-shadow-defence-secretary |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[British Forces Broadcasting Service]] |language=en}}</ref>


As Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Healey has repeatedly stressed his support for [[Ukraine]] in the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|Russo-Ukrainian war]] since [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion]] in 2022, endorsed the UK's support for Ukraine, and committed to continue Britain's support for Ukraine in any future Labour government.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Healey |first=John |date=2024-02-28 |title=A New Era for UK Defence with Labour |url=https://policyexchange.org.uk/events/a-new-era-for-uk-defence-with-labour/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[Policy Exchange]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Healey |first=John |date=2023-09-11 |title=Just 14 UK tanks for Ukraine? We must do better than that |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/ukraine-russia-war-allies-defence-john-healey-grant-shapps-b2409068.html |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=[[The Independent]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-22 |title=London Defence Conference: Defence and security will be priorities, say Labour |url=https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/london-defence-conference-defence-security-will-be-priorities-for-labour |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[King's College London]] |language=en}}</ref> In May 2024, Healey visited [[Kyiv]] along with [[Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs]] [[David Lammy]] and met the head of the President's Office [[Andriy Yermak]] and Defence Minister [[Rustem Umerov]]. In a joint statement, Healey and Lammy stated: "The next Labour government's commitment to Ukraine will be ironclad, and European security will be our first foreign and defence priority."<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKiernan |first=Jennifer |date=2024-05-13 |title=Labour pledges 'iron-clad' support for Ukraine against Putin |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-69004980 |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
As Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Healey has repeatedly stressed his support for [[Ukraine]] in the [[Russo-Ukrainian war]] since [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion]] in 2022, endorsed the UK's support for Ukraine, and committed to continue Britain's support for Ukraine in any future Labour government.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Healey |first=John |date=2024-02-28 |title=A New Era for UK Defence with Labour |url=https://policyexchange.org.uk/events/a-new-era-for-uk-defence-with-labour/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[Policy Exchange]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Healey |first=John |date=2023-09-11 |title=Just 14 UK tanks for Ukraine? We must do better than that |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/ukraine-russia-war-allies-defence-john-healey-grant-shapps-b2409068.html |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=[[The Independent]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-22 |title=London Defence Conference: Defence and security will be priorities, say Labour |url=https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/london-defence-conference-defence-security-will-be-priorities-for-labour |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[King's College London]] |language=en}}</ref> In May 2024, Healey visited [[Kyiv]] along with [[Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs]] [[David Lammy]] and met the head of the President's Office [[Andriy Yermak]] and Defence Minister [[Rustem Umerov]]. In a joint statement, Healey and Lammy stated: "The next Labour government's commitment to Ukraine will be ironclad, and European security will be our first foreign and defence priority."<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKiernan |first=Jennifer |date=2024-05-13 |title=Labour pledges 'iron-clad' support for Ukraine against Putin |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-69004980 |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>


Healey has argued in favour of higher spending on the British military with a larger armed force, closer co-operation and leadership with NATO and European nations over security and defence matters, and for a "comprehensive UK-[[Germany]] defence and security pact".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fraser |first=Tali |date=2023-06-16 |title=The John Healey interview: 'We are falling short on our Nato obligations' |url=https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/john-healey-interview-nato-defence-ukraine-spending-labour |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[Politics Home]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Oliver |date=2024-06-03 |title=Ex-forces candidates prove Labour is party of defence, says Starmer |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/ex-forces-candidates-prove-labour-is-party-of-defence-says-starmer-mgmg3jmwr |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=[[The Times]] |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> Healey has said that [[NATO]] will need to do more "heavy-lifting' in Europe, as the winner of the [[2024 US Presidential Election]] is likely to prioritise the threat of China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallardo |first=Christina |date=2023-03-09 |title=Labour urges 'realism' on UK's Indo-Pacific military ambitions |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/labour-john-healey-defense-uk-military-indo-pacific-aukus/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Healey has argued in favour of higher spending on the British military with a larger armed force, closer co-operation and leadership with NATO and European nations over security and defence matters, and for a "comprehensive UK-[[Germany]] defence and security pact".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fraser |first=Tali |date=2023-06-16 |title=The John Healey interview: 'We are falling short on our Nato obligations' |url=https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/john-healey-interview-nato-defence-ukraine-spending-labour |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[Politics Home]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Oliver |date=2024-06-03 |title=Ex-forces candidates prove Labour is party of defence, says Starmer |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/ex-forces-candidates-prove-labour-is-party-of-defence-says-starmer-mgmg3jmwr |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=[[The Times]] |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> Healey has said that [[NATO]] will need to do more "heavy-lifting' in Europe, as the winner of the [[2024 US Presidential Election]] is likely to prioritise the threat of China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallardo |first=Christina |date=2023-03-09 |title=Labour urges 'realism' on UK's Indo-Pacific military ambitions |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/labour-john-healey-defense-uk-military-indo-pacific-aukus/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
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In April 2024, Healey committed to raising Britain's defence spending to 2.5% of Britain's GDP by 2030 and commissioning a strategic review of the threats to Britain and its capabilities.<ref name=":0" />
In April 2024, Healey committed to raising Britain's defence spending to 2.5% of Britain's GDP by 2030 and commissioning a strategic review of the threats to Britain and its capabilities.<ref name=":0" />


Healey voted in favour of [[British involvement in the Iraq War|British participation in the 2003 Iraq War]].<ref>[https://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=42531&dmp=1049 John Healey MP, Wentworth voted strongly for the policy Iraq 2003 - For the invasion]. PublicWhip. Retrieved 2024-02-04.</ref><ref name=Boffey>Daniel Boffey, [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/22/john-healey-frontbench-veteran-uniquely-equipped-to-ready-labour-for-office John Healey: frontbench veteran uniquely equipped to ready Labour for office], ''The Guardian'' (March 22, 2024).</ref> In 2024, he said that the decision to go to war "wasn't sound at the time" and said the lesson was that military intervention could not have a successful outcome without sufficient diplomatic, economic, and security follow-through.<ref name=Boffey/>
Healey voted in favour of [[British involvement in the Iraq War|British participation in the 2003 Iraq War]].<ref>[https://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=42531&dmp=1049 John Healey MP, Wentworth voted strongly for the policy Iraq 2003 – For the invasion]. PublicWhip. Retrieved 2024-02-04.</ref><ref name=Boffey>Daniel Boffey, [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/22/john-healey-frontbench-veteran-uniquely-equipped-to-ready-labour-for-office John Healey: frontbench veteran uniquely equipped to ready Labour for office], ''The Guardian'' (March 22, 2024).</ref> In 2024, he said that the decision to go to war "wasn't sound at the time" and said the lesson was that military intervention could not have a successful outcome without sufficient diplomatic, economic, and security follow-through.<ref name=Boffey/>


=== Return to government (2024-present)===
=== Return to government (2024–present)===
[[File:United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin poses for a photo with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense John Healey during the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit at the Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2024.jpg|thumb|right|Healey with US Secretary of Defense [[Lloyd Austin]] in July 2024]]
After Labour's victory in the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]], Healey returned to government and was appointed [[Secretary of State for Defence]] by Starmer on 5 July.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministerial Appointments: July 2024 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministerial-appointments-july-2024 |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>
After Labour's victory in the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]], Healey returned to government and was appointed [[Secretary of State for Defence]] by Starmer on 5 July.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministerial Appointments: July 2024 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministerial-appointments-july-2024 |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref> Healey visited Ukraine shortly after being appointed Defence Minister, meeting with [[Volodymyr Zelensky]] in [[Odessa]].<ref name="y131">{{cite web | last=Ryan | first=Missy | title=Britain’s new government vows to prioritize Ukraine fight | website=Washington Post | date=2024-07-11 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/07/10/starmer-britain-ukraine-nato/ | access-date=2024-07-11}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Healey married Jackie Bate on 25 October 1993 in [[Lambeth]] and they have one son.
Healey married Jackie Bate on 25 October 1993 in [[Lambeth]] and they have one son.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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[[Category:Labour Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies]]
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Revision as of 15:10, 11 July 2024

The Right Honourable
John Healey
MP
Official portrait, 2024
Secretary of State for Defence
Assumed office
5 July 2024
Prime MinisterKeir Starmer
Preceded byGrant Shapps
Minister of State for Housing and Planning
In office
5 June 2009 – 11 May 2010
Prime MinisterGordon Brown
Preceded byMargaret Beckett
Succeeded byGrant Shapps
Junior ministerial offices
2007–2009Local Government
2005–2007Financial Secretary
2002–2005Economic Secretary
2001–2002Adult Skills
Shadow cabinet portfolios
2020–2024Defence
2015–2020Housing
2010–2011Health
2010–2010Housing
Member of Parliament
for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Wentworth and Dearne (2010–2024)
Wentworth (1997-2010)
Assumed office
1 May 1997
Preceded byPeter Hardy
Majority6,908 (20.4%)
Personal details
Born (1960-02-13) 13 February 1960 (age 64)
Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Political partyLabour
Spouse
Jackie Bate
​
(m. 1993)​
Children1
EducationSt Peter's School, York
Alma materChrist's College, Cambridge (BA)
WebsiteOfficial website

John Healey (born 13 February 1960) is a British politician serving as Secretary of State for Defence since July 2024. A member of the Labour Party, he has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, formerly Wentworth and Wentworth and Dearne respectively, since 1997.

Healey served under Tony Blair as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Adult Skills from 1997 to 2001, as Economic Secretary to the Treasury from 2002 to 2005, Financial Secretary to the Treasury from 2005 to 2007, and under Gordon Brown as Minister of State for Local Government from 2007 to 2009 and as Minister of State for Housing and Planning from 2009 to 2010.

Following the 2010 general election, he was elected to the Shadow Cabinet and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Health by Ed Miliband. He stood down from the role in October 2011 and was succeeded by Andy Burnham. He also served as Shadow Secretary of State for Housing from 2016 to 2020 under Jeremy Corbyn, and worked alongside Andrew Gwynne, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Early life and career

John Healey was born on 13 February 1960 in Wakefield, the son of Aidan Healey OBE. He was educated at the Lady Lumley's School in Pickering before attending the independent St Peter's School, York for sixth form.[1] He studied Social and Political Science at Christ's College, Cambridge[2] where he received a BA in 1982.

Healey worked as a journalist and the deputy editor of The House, the internal magazine of the Palace of Westminster, for a year in 1983.[3] In 1984 he became a full-time disability rights campaigner for several national charities.

Healey joined Issues Communications in 1990 as a campaign manager before becoming the head of communications at the Manufacturing, Science and Finance trade union in 1992.[4] He was appointed as the campaign director with the Trades Union Congress in 1994[3] in which capacity he remained until his election to the House of Commons. He was also a tutor at the Open University Business School.[3]

Parliamentary career

Healey's first attempt to enter Parliament was as candidate for Ryedale at the 1992 general election, where he finished in third with 13.8% of the vote behind the incumbent Conservative MP John Greenway and the Liberal Democrat Elizabeth Shields.[5][6]

In government (1997–2010)

At the 1997 general election, Healey was the Labour Party candidate for Wentworth, which had become available following the retirement of the Labour MP Peter Hardy. Healey was elected to Parliament with 72.3% of the vote and a majority of 23,959.[7]

Healey served as a member of the education and employment select committee from 1997 until he became the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown in 1999.

At the 2001 general election, Healey was re-elected as MP for Wentworth with a decreased vote share of 67.5% and a decreased majority of 16,449.[8] Following the election, he was appointed as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Adult Skills at the Department for Education and Skills.

At the 2005 general election Healey was again re-elected with a decreased vote share of 59.6% and a decreased majority of 15,056.[9]

On 29 June 2007, Healey was moved to the Department for Communities and Local Government as a result of a government reshuffle. Shortly after his appointment he assumed responsibility for assisting the recovery from widespread flooding across the United Kingdom.[citation needed]

In a Cabinet reshuffle on 5 June 2009, he was appointed Minister of State for Housing and Planning, replacing Margaret Beckett who had resigned. While Minister of State for Housing and Planning, he was criticised for suggesting that more people renting properties rather than buying their own homes was a good thing.[10]

In opposition (2010–2024)

At the 2010 general election Healey was elected to Parliament as the MP for the newly created constituency of Wentworth and Dearne with 50.6% of the vote and a majority of 13,920.[11][12]

Healey came second in the election for the shadow cabinet in 2010, and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Health.[13] He resigned from this position in 2011 in order to spend more time with his family.[14]

At the 2015 general election Healey was re-elected as MP for Wentworth and Dearne with an increased vote share of 56.3% and a decreased majority of 13,838.[15][16]

In 2015 three Rotherham Labour MPs, Kevin Barron, Sarah Champion and Healey, started a defamation legal action against UKIP MEP Jane Collins after Collins falsely alleged in a UKIP conference speech that the three MPs knew about child exploitation in Rotherham but did not intervene. In February 2017 the MPs were awarded £54,000 each in damages.[17]

Following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour Party leader, Healey was appointed Shadow Minister for Housing. He supported Owen Smith in the failed attempt to replace Jeremy Corbyn in the 2016 Labour Party leadership election.[18] Following the leadership election, Healey was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Housing in October 2016.

At the snap 2017 general election Healey was again re-elected, with an increased vote share of 65% and an increased majority of 14,803.[19] He was again re-elected at the 2019 general election, with a decreased vote share of 40.3% and a decreased majority of 2,165.[20][21]

Shadow cabinet

Following the election of Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour party, Healey was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Defence in 2020.[22]

As Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Healey has repeatedly stressed his support for Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian war since Russia's invasion in 2022, endorsed the UK's support for Ukraine, and committed to continue Britain's support for Ukraine in any future Labour government.[23][24][25] In May 2024, Healey visited Kyiv along with Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy and met the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. In a joint statement, Healey and Lammy stated: "The next Labour government's commitment to Ukraine will be ironclad, and European security will be our first foreign and defence priority."[26]

Healey has argued in favour of higher spending on the British military with a larger armed force, closer co-operation and leadership with NATO and European nations over security and defence matters, and for a "comprehensive UK-Germany defence and security pact".[27][28] Healey has said that NATO will need to do more "heavy-lifting' in Europe, as the winner of the 2024 US Presidential Election is likely to prioritise the threat of China.[29]

In April 2024, Healey committed to raising Britain's defence spending to 2.5% of Britain's GDP by 2030 and commissioning a strategic review of the threats to Britain and its capabilities.[23]

Healey voted in favour of British participation in the 2003 Iraq War.[30][31] In 2024, he said that the decision to go to war "wasn't sound at the time" and said the lesson was that military intervention could not have a successful outcome without sufficient diplomatic, economic, and security follow-through.[31]

Return to government (2024–present)

Healey with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in July 2024

After Labour's victory in the 2024 general election, Healey returned to government and was appointed Secretary of State for Defence by Starmer on 5 July.[32] Healey visited Ukraine shortly after being appointed Defence Minister, meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in Odessa.[33]

Personal life

Healey married Jackie Bate on 25 October 1993 in Lambeth and they have one son.[citation needed]

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Shadow Housing Secretary returns to St Peter's". www.stpetersyork.org.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  2. ^ Hetherington, Peter (24 July 2007). "More power to the regions". The Guardian. London.
  3. ^ a b c "PolicyMogul". policymogul.com. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  4. ^ "About John". John Healey MP. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  5. ^ "Election Data 1992". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  6. ^ "Politics Resources". Election 1992. Politics Resources. 9 April 1992. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
  7. ^ "Election Data 1997". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  8. ^ "Election Data 2001". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  9. ^ "Election Data 2005". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  10. ^ "John Healey, housing minister, attacked for lauding fall in ownership". The Daily Telegraph. 11 December 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  11. ^ "Election Data 2010". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  12. ^ "Election results: Wentworth & Dearne". BBC News. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  13. ^ "Ed Miliband's shadow cabinet". BBC News. 8 October 2013.
  14. ^ Stratton, Allegra (7 October 2011). "Ed Miliband to bring former ministers into shadow cabinet in reshuffle". The Guardian.
  15. ^ "Election Data 2015". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Wentworth & Dearne". BBC News. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  17. ^ "Jane Collins defamation case: Labour Rotherham MPs awarded £54,000". BBC News. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  18. ^ "Full list of MPs and MEPs backing challenger Owen Smith". LabourList. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  19. ^ "Wentworth & Dearne", BBC News
  20. ^ "Statement of Persons Nominated, Notice of Poll and Situation of Polling Stations". Rotherham Council. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  21. ^ "Wentworth & Dearne Parliamentary constituency". BBC News. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  22. ^ "John Healey Appointed Shadow Defence Secretary". British Forces Broadcasting Service. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  23. ^ a b Healey, John (28 February 2024). "A New Era for UK Defence with Labour". Policy Exchange. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  24. ^ Healey, John (11 September 2023). "Just 14 UK tanks for Ukraine? We must do better than that". The Independent. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  25. ^ "London Defence Conference: Defence and security will be priorities, say Labour". King's College London. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  26. ^ McKiernan, Jennifer (13 May 2024). "Labour pledges 'iron-clad' support for Ukraine against Putin". BBC News. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  27. ^ Fraser, Tali (16 June 2023). "The John Healey interview: 'We are falling short on our Nato obligations'". Politics Home. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  28. ^ Wright, Oliver (3 June 2024). "Ex-forces candidates prove Labour is party of defence, says Starmer". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  29. ^ Gallardo, Christina (9 March 2023). "Labour urges 'realism' on UK's Indo-Pacific military ambitions". Politico. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  30. ^ John Healey MP, Wentworth voted strongly for the policy Iraq 2003 – For the invasion. PublicWhip. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  31. ^ a b Daniel Boffey, John Healey: frontbench veteran uniquely equipped to ready Labour for office, The Guardian (March 22, 2024).
  32. ^ "Ministerial Appointments: July 2024". GOV.UK. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  33. ^ Ryan, Missy (11 July 2024). "Britain's new government vows to prioritize Ukraine fight". Washington Post. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to John Healey (politician).
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by Member of Parliament
for Wentworth
1997–2010 		Constituency abolished
New constituency Member of Parliament
for Wentworth and Dearne
2010–present 		Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by Economic Secretary to the Treasury
2002–2005 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Financial Secretary to the Treasury
2005–2007 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister of State for Local Government
2007–2009 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister of State for Housing and Planning
2009–2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Shadow Minister for Housing and Local Government
2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Shadow Secretary of State for Health
2010–2011 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning
2015–2016 		Vacant
New office Shadow Secretary of State for Housing
2016–2020 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
2020–2024 		Vacant
Preceded by Secretary of State for Defence
2024–present 		Incumbent
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