Jonny Mercer criticises Keir Starmer for his apparent failure to appoint a Veterans Minister in his new cabinet despite promising to do so in his manifesto
Johnny Mercer has criticised Keir Starmer for his apparent failure to appoint a Veterans Minister in his new cabinet despite promising to do so in his manifesto.
The former Conservative MP claimed the position remained vacant on a post on X, formally known as Twitter.
Mr Mercer, who held the role from 2019 until losing his Plymouth Moor View seat at the 2024 general election, posted: 'You will note already that, despite his explicit personal promises in the election campaign, Keir Starmer has not appointed a veterans minister to his Cabinet.
He added: 'If you understand what veterans need from their Government, this matters very much.'
The former army veteran served three tours in Afghanistan and his introduction of laws to protect veterans from prosecution overseas and in Northern Ireland was widely praised when he was in office.
Johnny Mercer was the Veterans Minister from 2019 until losing his Plymouth Moor View seat at the 2024 general election
Sir Keir Starmer (centre) confirmed he would appoint someone into the role for his Cabinet when asked in a campaign question-and-answer session
Mr Mercer also referred to his other governmental achievements as part of his X message, including Operation Fortitude, a government funded hotline to end homelessness among veterans and Operation Courage, an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.
He claimed the Veterans Minister's ability to have cross-government capability and position outside of the Ministry of Defence enabled his programmes to initiate change.
Mr Mercer said: 'Those now in power, paraded around by Starmer for their various military experiences, must mark themselves on how they too now actually change the lives of those who need them in the serving and veteran community.'
As Veterans Minister, Mr Mercer attended Cabinet meetings, but Sir Keir Starmer is yet to appoint someone into the role.
Asked whether he would have someone in his Cabinet responsible for veterans at a campaign question-and-answer session, Sir Keir replied: 'Yes, we will. I think it's very important.'
The Veterans Minister is responsible for all veterans' issues, Afghan accommodation and cross government support.
Mr Mercer also acknowledged that he had 'focused on some areas more than others' and felt he had not done 'enough' overall.
He said: 'Veterans' rights, mental healthcare, rough sleeping, prosthetics and of course protecting Northern Ireland veterans.
'I was unsuccessful in some areas too – some issues remained outside my control, like Vets UK and compensation. I wear all the criticism. I did my best and often felt broken myself in the process. I am comfortable I could not have done more in the time and political space that I had. The opportunity for others to step up is always there.'
