James Murray replaces Wes Streeting as Health Secretary – his views on trans rights

James Murray has been appointed as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care after Wes Streeting resigned on 14 May.

Murray has served as the MP for Ealing North since 2019, and was previously the Chief Secretary to the Treasury between September 2025 until his appointment as Health Secretary.

Streeting’s time as Health Secretary saw him fall out of favour with many in the LGBTQ+ community, as his time in office brought a ban on puberty blockers for trans youth.

This came about despite his previous support for the trans community. In 2024, he told The Sun that he no longer stood by the statement “trans men are men, trans women are women”, instead saying: “Actually, there are lots of complexities.”

But as James Murray, who is gay, takes on the role, is he likely to be any more popular with the LGBTQ+ community?

James Murray’s stance on trans rights

In 2022, Murray said on TalkRadioTV: “I believe trans women are women.” But he also avoided questions about trans women competing in women’s sports.

Following the Supreme Court decision in April 2025, which ruled the legal definition of women in the 2010 Equality Act refers to “biological women” and sex refers to “biological sex”, his public opinion took a turn.

He was among a group of 54 out LGBTQ+ Labour MPs who did not respond to PinkNews in April 2025 when asked whether they believe trans women are women.

After the ruling, he said in a letter: “I agree that trans people must be able to live their lives with dignity and safety.”

He also wrote that he shared the Government’s “commitment to protecting to protecting trans people, such as through a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices”.

The letter added: “I believe that all LGBT+ people must be treated fairly, with dignity, and with respect.”

In May 2025, he said single-sex spaces should be provided “on the basis of biological sex”, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.

He added: “It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling.”

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