Health minister resigns to manage advanced breast cancer treatment

Ashley Dalton has resigned from her ministerial role while undergoing chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer and will return to the backbenches to continue as MP for West Lancashire.

Ashley Dalton, the MP for West Lancashire, has resigned from her ministerial post while receiving chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She was appointed public health minister in February 2025 and was diagnosed with incurable metastatic disease the month before that appointment. Dalton said she will step back from ministerial duties to manage treatment and continue to serve her constituents from the backbenches. Key points: - Dalton announced her resignation to make reasonable adjustments while undergoing oral chemotherapy as part of a three-week treatment cycle. - She described her cancer as metastatic and incurable but reported that her disease is currently stable. - Health secretary Wes Streeting praised her work; Dalton said she will return to the backbenches and continue representing West Lancashire and speaking on health and cancer issues. Summary: Dalton's resignation removes her from ministerial responsibilities while she focuses on ongoing treatment and constituency work. She will continue as an MP from the backbenches; further arrangements for the ministerial post were not detailed.