Ashley Dalton MP appointed junior health minister after Andrew Gwynne’s dismissal

In addition to Ashley Dalton’s appointment, the King approved three ministerial changes today    

Ashley Dalton MP has been appointed as a parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), following the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne MP by prime minister Keir Starmer last week.

Dalton has served as the MP for West Lancashire since her election on 9 February 2023.

Describing herself as “a mum, a carer, a cancer survivor, and a proud Lancashire lass,” Dalton shares on her official page: “I grew up just outside of West Lancashire in Leyland and spent 25 years working with grassroots communities in local government. My life has been dedicated to helping residents and improving local services, and I am proud to continue doing so as your MP.”

Starmer sacked Gwynne, MP for Gorton and Denton since 2005, over alleged anti-semitic, racist and sexist remarks. He has also been suspended from the Labour Party.

On Saturday, Gwynne expressed regret for his “badly misjudged” comments, which led to his dismissal as junior health minister.

“I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused," he wrote on X.

“I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken," he added.

On Sunday, The Mail reported that Gwynne made anti-semitic comments in a WhatsApp group which he shares with more than a dozen Labour councillors, party officials and at least one other MP,

The newspaper said he also joked about a constituent being “mown down" by a truck.

In another comment, he allegedly said he hoped a 72-year-old woman who asked a colleague about rubbish bin collection would soon be dead.

In addition to Dalton’s appointment, the King approved the following ministerial changes on 10 February 2025:

Douglas Alexander MP has been appointed as a minister of state in the Cabinet Office, alongside his existing role as minister of state in the Department for Business and Trade.

Lord Moraes OBE and Lord Wilson of Sedgefield has been appointed Lords in Waiting (Government Whip).

Lord Wilson of Sedgefield as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

Last week, the government appointed Baroness Camilla Cavendish, Naomi Eisenstadt CB, and Phil Jordan as non-executive directors to the DHSC board to help fix the “broken NHS.”