Alison McGovern appointed Minister of State for Social Care

Alison McGovern has been confirmed as the new Minister of State for Social Care at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The Birkenhead MP takes responsibility for a portfolio covering adult social care, hospital discharge, frailty, dementia and disabilities. Her appointment follows changes to the government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with Yvette Cooper taking over as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

McGovern joined the DHSC ministerial team in July, having previously served as Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness. Before that, she served as Minister for Employment at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Her new role places her at the centre of the government’s approach to adult social care at a significant time for the sector, with workforce pressures, funding and the relationship between social care and the NHS remaining major challenges.

McGovern has said Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked her to serve as his minister for social care as the government develops its plans for the sector.

Further details of the government’s approach to social care reform are expected as the new administration develops its health and care priorities.

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