Hilary Benn has announced he is stepping down as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will offer his support to the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, from the backbenches. The Labour veteran, who was appointed to the post following the party's return to power in 2024, said on Monday he had found the role a "great privilege".
Tributes and cross-border comment
Responses to Mr Benn's departure included praise from across the Irish Sea. Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, paid tribute to what she described as his constructive and warm approach to relationships in Ireland. In Northern Ireland, DUP leader Gavin Robinson acknowledged Mr Benn as an "honourable man", while saying he had disagreed with him on aspects of dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.
"It has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to work with the many wonderful people I have met over the last 2 years."
In a further public message, Mr Benn expressed his hopes for continuity on key matters and said he would support his successor's efforts to maintain stability and attract investment to the region.
Context and what it means locally
Mr Benn was the first Labour politician to hold the Northern Ireland brief since the party lost power in 2010. His two-year tenure coincided with a renewed focus on working with the Northern Ireland Executive and on legislation addressing the long-standing issues arising from the Troubles.
- Tenure highlights: working with devolved institutions and progress on a Troubles Bill described as important by Mr Benn.
- Cross-border relations: positive acknowledgement from the Irish government for engagement and cooperation.
- Political tone: recognised by opponents for effort despite disagreement on some legacy questions.
The immediate political consequence is a change at a senior ministerial level during the early weeks of a new prime minister's administration. For residents and businesses in Barking and Dagenham, and elsewhere across London and beyond, this matters because the stability of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland can affect wider UK governance and the allocation of ministerial attention and resources.
Timeline and facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Appointed | Following Labour's return to power in 2024 |
| Length of service | Two years |
| Significance | First Labour Northern Ireland Secretary since 2010 |
| Announcement | Made on social media and reported 20 July 2026 |
Mr Benn underlined the importance of the Troubles Bill to many families and urged that work continue to protect stability and attract growth to Northern Ireland. He added:
"The Prime Minister will have my full support from the backbenches."
As Andy Burnham establishes his administration, attention will turn to who replaces Mr Benn at the Northern Ireland Office and how the new minister will build on the relationships and priorities identified during the past two years.
Coverage will follow developments in ministerial appointments and any statements from the Northern Ireland Executive that respond to this change.
