Healey resigned because Prime Minister was too weak to stand up to Treasury, says West Midland MP

John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary because the Prime Minister was ‘too weak’ to stand up to the Treasury, a West Midland MP has claimed.

Sir Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, said it was clear that Mr Healey quit his post because the Government was unwilling to commit to the level of spending required to keep the country safe.

Mr Healey resigned on Thursday, followed the same day by junior defence minister Al Carns. Dan Jarvis has been announced as Mr Healey’s successor.

Sir Gavin, who served as Defence Secretary from 2017 to 2019, made the comments during the Defence Procurement Conference at Millennium Point in Birmingham, moments after Mr Healey sent his letter of resignation to the Prime Minister.

“It's quite obvious that John has been frustrated in getting the investment that is needed,” Sir Gavin said.

“Keir Starmer's too weak to make it clear as to what needs to be happening, and the Treasury has won the day.

“Treasury never wants to spend money that's needed for defence - and Treasury has triumphed.

“Keir Starmer has been too weak, and John has ended up going because he knows that he can't turn around, with his hand on his heart, and say that the money that is coming is enough to keep us safe.”

The conference is the West Midlands' first dedicated forum for connecting small and mid-sized businesses with senior figures in the Ministry of Defence and its wider supply chain network.

The event is being staged following government commitments to increase MoD supply-chain spending from £4.5 billion a year to £7.5 billion over the coming years.

Professor Paul Cadman, organiser of the conference, said: “For West Midlands businesses, whether in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, autonomy or professional services, the window to enter the supply chain is open.

“If you are an SME wanting to break into the defence sector, the smart move is to come and see what’s happening on June 11 and 12 and see the vast array of opportunities on offer in the UK’s key growth sector.”