OVER the last week, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall has promised to introduce a number of changes to the UK welfare system.
Despite some opposition from backbenchers over her approach, the senior minister has said there is a “moral and economic case” for reforming benefits.
She has also argued that the current system is "unsustainable”, while Scottish First Minister John Swinney has called for taxes to rise before cuts to welfare are made.
With her name appearing in the news more and more, you may be wondering who Liz Kendall is.
For too long, sick and disabled people have told they can't work, denied support and locked out of jobs. We will deploy 1,000 work coaches to provide proper support to people to unlock the benefits of work, boost living standards, & grow the economy.https://t.co/EUe7oLRkb0
— Liz Kendall (@leicesterliz) March 6, 2025
Who is Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall?
Elizabeth Louise Kendall is a Labour politician who has held the Leicester West seat as a Member of Parliament since 2010.
The major party figure from Hertfordshire is currently the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions but has also held a number of shadow cabinet roles.
She was previously shadow minister for social care and shadow secretary of state for work and pensions before her party's victory at last year's General Election.
What is Liz Kendall expected to do?
Liz Kendall is expected to slash the welfare budget by as much as £6 billion.
It has been reported that this could include cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is being phased out in Scotland, with the devolved Adult Disability Payments (ADP) administered by Social Security Scotland expected to fully replace it by the end of 2025 – and it is expected that the UK welfare cuts will reduce the money returning to Scotland for ADP.
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Who was the last Secretary of State for Work and Pensions?
Conservative MP Mel Stride was Kendall's predecessor in holding the position of secretary of state for work and pensions.
He lost this role after his party was defeated in the 2024 General Election. He was able to hold his Central Devon seat by 61 votes.
