Ex para calls def sec role an 'immense honour' as he's replaced in Burnham reshuffle

He was Defence Secretary for less than six weeks – but in that time Dan Jarvis was responsible for publishing the long awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

Commentators across the forces world were keen to see whether or not Prime Minister Andy Burnham would keep him on as defence secretary.

Taking to social media after it was announced that former Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting would replace him in the role, Mr Jarvis said: "It’s been an immense honour to serve as Defence Secretary and again be amongst those who give everything to defend our nation."

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"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude — and they will always have my absolute support. I wish my successor every success in this vital role."

After John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary over a £13.5bn offer for defence spending, that figure rose to £15 billion when his replacement, Dan Jarvis unveiled the DIP. 

However, concerns continued to be raised as it was nowhere near close to addressing the £28 billion funding gap highlighted by defence chiefs.

Former conservative Defence Secretary Ben Wallace criticised Mr Burnham’s decision to replace Mr Jarvis .

"Removing Dan Jarvis to find a spot for Wes Streeting shows a contempt for Defence at a time they need continuity and someone who understands the new way of warfare and the men and women of the armed forces," he posted on X.

But there was a more positive reaction to the news from retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell, a former combat pilot and senior leader in the RAF, who said: "With John Healey now looking after the money, Wes Streeting can focus on the vital Defence Reforms necessary to deliver." 

"Despite what some are saying, it may be a good thing that he’s a Defence outsider."

Meanwhile, a former head of the British Army has also said he is "disappointed" that Wes Streeting has been made defence secretary but spoke more positively about the potential relationship between Mr Streeting and his predecessor in the Treasury. 

Lord Dannatt told Times Radio: "A new defence secretary has a lot to learn – the defence portfolio is one of the more complicated ones in government and as far as I’m aware Wes Streeting has got no background in defence, no background in the military". 

"So he’s going to have to do an awful lot of listening and learning over the next few days and weeks before he can start to make a contribution. 

"Now, the professionals in the Ministry of Defence, the service chiefs, the permanent secretary, they all know their stuff, and they will get on with the day-to-day business. 

"So, frankly, if you’re asking me the question, I’m disappointed that Wes Streeting was appointed to defence secretary, I think there are other people who have a longer background in defence – Dan Jarvis, who’s only just been appointed, I think was a good appointment after John Healey. Personally, I’m disappointed that he’s not remained in the job. 

"But if Wes Streeting is prepared to listen, to learn, then there’s no reason why, over time, he can’t be an effective defence secretary – but he’s got to remember that the man in Number 11 actually knows the stuff about defence, and there’s no point trying to pull the wool over his eyes."