BARNSLEY North MP Dan Jarvis has been appointed as the Defence Secretary following John Healey’s resignation yesterday.

Dan was first elected in 2011 in the Barnsley Central constituency before it was changed to Barnsley North in 2024.

He also served as the Mayor of South Yorkshire from 2018 to 2022.

Having served as the Security Minister, Dan was yesterday appointed as the Defence Secretary, after fellow local MP John Healey resigned from the role - citing concerns around the financial settlement for the Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

In a statement following the appointment, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “My first duty is to keep the British people safe, and I will always do what is necessary to protect our national security.

“I am pleased to appoint Dan Jarvis as Defence Secretary as we strengthen our armed forces and meet the growing threats facing our country.

“This Labour government is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

“In a dangerous and volatile world, we will give our armed forces the capabilities they need to defend Britain and keep our nation secure.”

Dan said: “It’s been an immense honour to serve as Security Minister and work alongside the outstanding public servants in government, the security services, policing, and the NCA.

“They do vital work to keep our country safe - mostly in the shadows, always in our service.”