Following a battle with advanced breast cancer, a Labour minister has made the decision to step down from her position to focus on her health and constituency duties.
Ashley Dalton, aged 53, who is facing advanced and incurable breast cancer, cited the need to prioritize managing her health condition and serving as a constituency MP as reasons for her resignation from the role of minister for public health and prevention.
She expressed the necessity to adjust her workload to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and to care for her elderly mother, stating that pushing herself beyond her limits would hinder her ability to fulfill her responsibilities effectively.
In a letter addressed to Keir Starmer, the MP for West Lancashire, Dalton commended the government’s National Cancer Plan, emphasizing its potential to not only save thousands of lives but also enhance the quality of life for individuals battling cancer.
Reflecting on the impact of discussing the National Cancer Plan, Dalton highlighted the importance of understanding what it means to live and work well, both personally and within the broader context of health support and employment opportunities for individuals with long-term health conditions.
While affirming her commitment to serving her constituency despite her oral chemotherapy regimen, Dalton believed that the time had come to make necessary adjustments to her responsibilities to effectively manage her health challenges and carry out her duties as a Member of Parliament.
Responding to Dalton’s resignation, Keir Starmer expressed deep sadness, acknowledging her exemplary contributions as a Minister and her dedication to advancing critical initiatives such as the National Cancer Plan.
Dalton, in a separate statement, reiterated the need to balance her workload to continue serving her constituents diligently while effectively managing the side effects of her treatment and providing care for her mother.
She emphasized the ongoing battle with her condition, sharing details of her treatment routine and the reality of living with metastatic breast cancer, stressing that while the disease is incurable, her determination to continue fighting remains unwavering.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his sadness over Dalton’s departure but commended her decision and the significant impact she has had as a minister, applauding her resilience in the face of adversity.
