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John Healey’s departure shows even the most sturdy MPs have a breaking point
UK NewsPolitics•June 11, 2026 at 3:56 PMNational

John Healey’s departure shows even the most sturdy MPs have a breaking point

By Peter Walker Senior political correspondent•The Guardian - UK News

Despite his managerial veneer and quiet approach, the outgoing defence secretary is a highly political operatorIf there was one thing Downing Street could rely on with John Healey, it was avoiding unnecessary drama. Whether in parliament or on the morning broadcast round, his sober suits and general demeanour of a benign but firm headteacher spelled reassurance.But then, just before 12.10pm on Thursday, the drama arrived. In a letter posted to social media, Healey resigned as defence secretary, a job he had held – whether in government or its shadow equivalent – from the moment Keir Starmer became Labour leader. Continue reading...

Despite his managerial veneer and quiet approach, the outgoing defence secretary is a highly political operator

If there was one thing Downing Street could rely on with John Healey, it was avoiding unnecessary drama. Whether in parliament or on the morning broadcast round, his sober suits and general demeanour of a benign but firm headteacher spelled reassurance.

But then, just before 12.10pm on Thursday, the drama arrived. In a letter posted to social media, Healey resigned as defence secretary, a job he had held – whether in government or its shadow equivalent – from the moment Keir Starmer became Labour leader.

Continue reading...

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