Chris McDonald MP joins Department of Health and Social Care

McDonald will hold a ministerial role in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade at the same time as his DHSC role

2 min read

Chris McDonald looking at the camera wearing a grey suit

gov.uk

Lucy Miller

24 July 2026

Chris McDonald MP has joined the Department of Health and Social Care as a minister of state for health, making him the third MP to join the department during Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister.

McDonald’s appointment follows that of Diana Johnson DBE MP and Alison McGovern MP, who were made ministers in the DHSC on 21 and 22 July respectively.

McDonald joined the DHSC on Thursday (23 July). He has also taken up a role in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST), which was confirmed on 21 July.

He had previously held a role in the Department for Business and Trade, which has become the DBIST in order “to signify our global leadership in science and innovation and maximise the growth they can contribute to the UK economy.”

It is currently unknown whether McDonald’s two ministerial positions will be linked in any way.

Previous primary care minister, Stephen Kinnock MP, had departed his role early in the week after being made Secretary of State for Wales. It is unclear whether McDonald, Johnson or McGovern will take on Kinnock’s specific role.

OT has asked the DHSC for confirmation of the responsibilities each new minister will hold.

New health secretary Yvette Cooper was appointed on Monday 20 July.