The veteran community has a new voice in government. Louise Sandher-Jones MP has been appointed Minister for Veterans and People, taking over the role in early September 2025. With her military background and first-hand experience of service life, she steps into a portfolio that carries weight, expectation, and real responsibility.
Who is Louise Sandher-Jones?
Sandher-Jones is Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, first elected in 2024. Before politics she served in the Army as an intelligence officer, deploying to Afghanistan. Like many who have worn the uniform, she understands the challenges of leaving service and building a civilian career. After leaving regular service, she worked in intelligence in the private sector and later served as a councillor before moving into national politics.
That blend of service experience and civilian transition is likely to shape her approach as Veterans Minister.
What Will She Be Responsible For?
The Veterans Minister role is a broad one. Sandher-Jones will oversee:
- Veterans policy and delivery, including the roll-out of the new VALOUR support system.
- The Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
- Personnel matters such as recruitment, retention, training, and resettlement.
- Armed Forces families, reserves, and cadets.
- Equality, diversity, inclusion and defence culture.
- Service complaints and the justice system.
She has already spoken in Parliament about the urgent need to tackle recruitment and retention problems, improve pay, and upgrade service housing.
What Did Her Predecessor Achieve?
Sandher-Jones replaces Alistair Carns, who held the post from July 2024 until September this year. A former Royal Marines officer decorated for service in Afghanistan, Carns brought credibility and drive to the role.
His biggest achievement was steering the introduction of VALOUR, a new UK-wide support system designed to connect veterans with health, housing, employment and welfare services. He also worked to strengthen ties with charities and streamline policy across departments, ensuring veterans were not left behind in wider government decision-making.
While challenges remain, Carns leaves the post having laid important foundations.
What Veterans Are Asking For
Sandher-Jones steps into office at a time when veterans’ voices are clear and consistent. Across community groups and charities, the same themes keep coming up:
- Tackling homelessness – ensuring no veteran is left without stable housing.
- Better access to healthcare, especially mental health support.
- A smoother transition into civilian life, with stronger links to employment and training.
- Consistency across the UK – ending the postcode lottery of support.
- Fair treatment and representation, through measures like the new Armed Forces Commissioner.
- Less red tape, with simpler, clearer access to benefits and entitlements.
Early Signals from the New Minister
Sandher-Jones has acknowledged homelessness as one of the issues raised most often by veterans at grassroots level. She has spoken positively about the recent welfare review (JSP 770) and the introduction of the Armed Forces Commissioner, while stressing there is more work to do.
Her focus on family welfare, housing and fairness reflects what veterans themselves have been calling for. The real test will be how these promises translate into practical support, delivered consistently across the UK.
Looking Ahead
The Veterans Minister role is never an easy one. It demands cross-department cooperation, proper funding, and the ability to balance the needs of serving personnel, families and those who have left the Armed Forces.
With her service background and clear awareness of the challenges, Louise Sandher-Jones brings credibility to the post. The veteran community will be watching closely to see whether she can turn commitments into action and build on the progress already made.
