John Healey, the Rotherham-based MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, has become Chancellor of the Exchequer. The appointment puts him in charge of the Treasury, meaning local leaders and MPs seeking additional government investment will ultimately need to make their case to him; it also gives South Yorkshire a direct connection to the centre of national economic decision-making.

Healey was appointed Chancellor on 20 July 2026, after previously serving as Defence Secretary and holding several ministerial roles, including at the Treasury, under the last Labour government. He has represented the area since 2024 and lives in Rotherham, bringing both local ties and previous experience of public finance and local-government policy to the role.