Esther McVey - All advisers need to know about new DWP chief

MP for Tatton

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 3 min read

Esther McVey has been promoted to secretary of state for work and pensions after David Gauke was moved to the Ministry of Justice as part of Theresa May's 2018 reshuffle.

McVey (pictured) is the fifth person to hold the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) office since 2016, following Iain Duncan Smith, Stephen Crabb, Damian Green and Gauke, who held the role for just seven months. The post was initially offered to Justine Greening who headed up the Department for Education. However, Greening announced her decision to quit the government at about 8pm on Monday meaning McVey was offered the position. The Conservative MP for Tatton - George Osborne's former seat - is no stranger to the department; from 2012 to 2013 she was parliamentary under-secretary...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Retirement

Royal London introduces CRP framework to help advisers

Royal London introduces CRP framework to help advisers

Support when developing retirement income strategies for clients

Jenna Brown
clock 29 January 2026 • 1 min read
Just Group sees fall in retirement income sales as takeover approaches

Just Group sees fall in retirement income sales as takeover approaches

Brookfield Wealth Solutions to takeover during first half of the year

Isabel Baxter
clock 20 January 2026 • 2 min read
Shifting pension rules 'eroding trust' and 'hindering' retirement confidence

Shifting pension rules 'eroding trust' and 'hindering' retirement confidence

Speculation on rules hitting confidence across every age group

Sahar Nazir
clock 17 November 2025 • 2 min read