Dr Andrew Murrison appointed Minister for Defence People

Dr Andrew Murrison has been appointed the new Minister for Defence People as part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle.

The Conservative MP previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the MOD and Minister for International Security Strategy from September 2012 until July 2014.

His appointment to the MOD comes after Sarah Atherton lost her position as Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families.

Dr Murrison said: "I'm delighted to be asked to be a defence minister again, especially given my strong constituency interest. Many residents have strong occupational or family ties to the Armed Forces and the area is home to a large veteran population, including me."

An active Royal Navy reservist, Dr Murrison served as a naval medical officer for 18 years, leaving in October 2000 as a Surgeon Commander. He was recalled to serve in Iraq in 2003. In 2021, he was mobilised to lead vaccination teams as part of Operation Rescript.

Since becoming Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has overseen a number of changes to those serving in Government defence roles. Afghanistan veterans Johnny Mercer and Tom Tugendhat were both appointed in Mr Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle. Mr Mercer was appointed to his former role of Veterans Minister while Mr Tugendhat was re-appointed as Security Minister and will attend Cabinet, Downing Street confirmed.