Sharon Hodgson becomes public health and prevention minister

Sharon Hodgson has been appointed public health and prevention minister at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Hodgson (pictured) replaces Ashley Dalton, who announced she is stepping down from the role after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Dalton will continue as MP for West Lancashire.

Hodgson has served as MP for Washington and Gateshead South since 2005. Under the previous Labour government she worked as a parliamentary aide to ministers across several departments, including health, and also served as an assistant government whip.

While in opposition she acted as parliamentary private secretary to Keir Starmer, liaising with backbench MPs.

She has also campaigned on patient safety issues, including calling for compensation for women injured by pelvic mesh implants.

Separately, the DHSC has appointed Liz Chinchen to a direct ministerial role.

Chinchen will work with health and social care secretary Wes Streeting and will focus on industrial relations in the NHS and policy to support and develop the social care workforce.

In the role she will work with ministers, senior officials, NHS England and the department’s Social Partnership Forum.

Chinchen has previously held senior roles at the British Film Institute, in local government and in trade unions. Her appointment is a paid role and began on 5 March 2026.