Guardian UK Politics
John Healey resigns as defence secretary over military spending
John Healey has resigned as UK defence secretary, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to commit adequate resources to national security amid growing global threats. His departure comes as the government's long-delayed defence investment plan was set for imminent publication, which Healey said fell well short of what the country requires. The resignation deals a significant blow to Starmer's government and intensifies pressure over Britain's military spending commitments.
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Healey resigns as defence secretary amid military spending row
John Healey has resigned as Defence Secretary, citing frustration over the government's failure to adequately fund its new defence investment plan. He argued the allocated budget falls significantly short of what the military requires at a time of heightened global security concerns. The departure marks a significant blow to the government and intensifies pressure over its commitments to defence spending.
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John Healey quitting defence puts a time bomb under No 10. He is a loyalist: this is no ordinary departure
John Healey's resignation from the defence brief is a significant political blow for Downing Street precisely because of who he is — a steady, loyal veteran who weathered Blair, Brown, Miliband, and even Corbyn without breaking ranks. That a figure of his discipline and patience has finally walked signals something deeper than a routine ministerial departure. When loyalists lose faith, it tends to matter.
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Defence Secretary John Healey's resignation letter and Starmer's response in full
John Healey has resigned as Defence Secretary, setting out his reasons in a formal letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The departure marks a significant blow to the Labour government, losing a senior cabinet minister with responsibility for one of the most critical briefs in Whitehall. Starmer's response has now been published in full, offering the official government account of the split.
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Farage suddenly returns to political stage – but dodges questions about £5m gift
Nigel Farage has resurfaced publicly after seven weeks of near-silence following revelations that he accepted a £5 million personal gift from a crypto billionaire. His absence has come at a tangible political cost, with Reform UK struggling for momentum during a critical by-election campaign. Farage offered no explanation for the payment, raising fresh questions about his judgment and transparency at a pivotal moment for his party.
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