Dan Jarvis, the newly appointed defence secretary, has stepped into a role that many consider a poisoned chalice, with the possibility of holding the position for only a few weeks. The former paratrooper, once seen as a potential Labour leadership contender, has long been destined for this role, having worked his way through ministerial ranks, a South Yorkshire mayoralty, and the shadow cabinet.
A Sense of Duty
Colleagues say Jarvis accepted the job out of a sense of duty. One MP who knows him well noted that he would “no doubt” hope that a successor to Keir Starmer would keep him on. Jarvis’s reputation for calmness will be tested as he inherits a defence investment plan that his predecessor, John Healey, and former armed forces minister Al Carns deem insufficient.
This view is shared by top brass at the Ministry of Defence and senior military officials, making the department difficult to govern. Jarvis is expected to attend NATO meetings next week to defend the UK’s war readiness plans, despite many experts believing No 10 and the Treasury have not provided adequate funding.
Colleagues’ Views
Labour colleagues do not blame Jarvis for stepping into Healey’s shoes, even as the administration enters its rockiest period. The most criticism he faces is being of “middling” talent, with unclear political positioning. One former minister described him as “as centrist as a person can be” and a “straight shooter” who avoids political drama.
Other MPs see Jarvis as “honourable” and “a good bloke,” more humble about his military past than some former military MPs. However, some are frustrated with the prevalence of “good bloke” types with undefined politics at the top of the Labour party.
Military Pedigree
Jarvis’s military background once made him a contender to succeed Ed Miliband, but he chose not to run for leader in 2015, citing family reasons after losing his wife to cancer. He later remarried. At the time, he criticized Labour for allowing the Conservatives to appear more serious about spreading wealth across the country.
Jeremy Corbyn won the subsequent leadership contest. Jarvis later became mayor of Sheffield city region, where he aligned with fellow northern mayor Andy Burnham on issues like Treasury rules hindering infrastructure investment. He stepped down as mayor and served as security minister without major missteps.
Risks Ahead
As defence secretary, Jarvis faces huge risks. His credibility is on the line if he agrees to a defence investment plan rejected by Healey and top military brass. His chaotic appearance at a drone-testing facility launch in Swindon, where businesses were told not to mention the plan, highlighted the difficulty of stepping into a complex brief at the last minute.
With Starmer’s future uncertain, the defence investment plan delayed, and Burnham’s return to Westminster likely next week, some tricky decisions on defence may never be Jarvis’s to make.
