John Healey’s departure is less of a surprise than it might seem

The Guardian — Jun 11, 14:56 PM

Despite his managerial veneer and quiet approach, outgoing defence secretary is a highly political operator

If there was one thing for which Downing Street could rely on with John Healey, it was avoiding unnecessary drama.

Whether in parliament or on the morning broadcast round, his sober suits and general demeanour of a benign but firm headmaster spelled reassurance.

But then just before 12.10pm on Wednesday, the drama arrived.

In a letter posted to social media, Healey https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/11/john-healey-resigns-defence-secretary-military-spending">resigned as defence secretary, a job he had held – whether in government or its shadow equivalent – from the moment Keir Starmer became Labour leader.