Downing Street has confirmed that a minister dedicated to serving veterans of the military forces would not be part of Sir Keir Starmer's new Cabinet.

According to No. 10, as part of his broader mandate, Defence Secretary John Healey will represent veterans.

The former Tory MP Johnny Mercer served in Rishi Sunak's cabinet as the minister for veterans' affairs.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said at lunchtime: “First and foremost, the Defence Secretary will represent veterans at Cabinet. Veterans are part of our military family and the Secretary of State will drive work with Cabinet colleagues to deliver for them.

“The Government is determined to change how we do government, stopping silos and working collaboratively across departments to serve the public, including veterans.”