MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Secretary of State for Defence
John Healey is a Labour (Co-op) MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, first elected in 1997. Since July 2024 he has served as Secretary of State for Defence, the government’s defence minister. Over his long political career he has held both ministerial roles in government and senior shadow positions, including leading roles on defence, housing and health across Labour’s frontbench teams.
His voting record shows very high party loyalty (100%), with attendance above the Labour party average (59% vs 33%), and no rebel votes. He sits at the centre of the political spectrum (50/100). On policy he has mixed positions on Universal Credit, VAT, transgender rights and prison sentencing, but generally supports NHS funding, opposes stricter immigration controls, and opposes the Rwanda deportation scheme and expanding trade union powers.
Declared financial interests total five, including land and property holdings and family members employed, plus several miscellaneous entries.
Generated 21 February 2026
16 positions
Secretary of State for Defence
Since Jul 2024
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
Apr 2020 - May 2024
Shadow Secretary of State for Housing
Jan 2018 - Apr 2020
Shadow Secretary of State for Housing
Oct 2016 - Jan 2018
Shadow Minister (Communities and Local Government) (Housing and Planning)
Sept 2015 - Jun 2016
Shadow Secretary of State for Health
Oct 2010 - Oct 2011
Shadow Minister (Housing)
May 2010 - Oct 2010
Based on parliamentary votes
has generally voted against universal credit
has generally voted against immigration controls
has voted a mixture of ways on bus services regulation
has generally voted against vat changes
has generally voted against asylum system
has generally voted against transgender rights
has almost always voted against trade union powers
has voted a mixture of ways on nhs funding
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2026-27
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading