When Andy Burnham formed his cabinet in July, the appointment of Wes Streeting as defence secretary was unexpected by many, including Streeting himself. Known for his outgoing and gregarious nature, Streeting’s move into a role traditionally associated with discretion and solemnity marks a notable shift in his political profile.

Since taking office, Streeting has adopted a notably more restrained approach. At the recent Labour conference, he maintained a low-key presence, contrasting with his previously conspicuous public persona. His initial appearance before the defence select committee further underscored this change. Streeting employed defence acronyms and official jargon such as SDR, DIP, and NAD, aiming to minimize his public exposure and limit the dissemination of sensitive information.

This style stands in stark contrast to that of his predecessor, Penny Mordaunt, whose tenure was described as provocative with a willingness to escalate conflicts despite acknowledged limitations in Britain’s military readiness. Streeting’s cautious demeanor has been interpreted as a deliberate effort to project stability and avoid inflaming tensions, signaling a more measured approach to defence matters.

Early in his tenure, Streeting publicly committed to following the precedent set by his predecessor concerning defence funding, pledging to resign if he judged budget allocations were insufficient. However, when pressed about the government’s goal to reach defence spending at 3% of GDP by 2030, Streeting was noncommittal, offering no specifics on timelines or concrete plans. Instead, he urged reliance on assurances that the target would be met eventually.

Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness and timing of defence investments. Observers note that many procurement contracts require up to six years for delivery, risking obsolescence upon arrival. Additionally, significant portions of defence spending increases appear deferred, scheduled predominantly after the next general election. Government officials, including Ministry of Defence permanent secretary Jeremy Pocklington, have argued that this planned expenditure profile is justified, though critics view it as a deferral of costs to future administrations.

Streeting acknowledged a personal reluctance to engage in conflict, stating he “wasn’t keen on fighting a war,” a stance seen by some as a more cautious and conscientious approach to the defence portfolio. Whether this translates into substantive policy shifts remains to be seen, but it signals a departure from the more hawkish posturing associated with his predecessor. As he settles into the role, Streeting appears focused on managing defence affairs with a degree of circumspection, balancing public accountability with the imperative of secrecy inherent in national security.