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• BBC Politics
• Mon Oct 20 2025

Junior minister reveals breast cancer diagnosis

Claire Hughes said she was diagnosed earlier this month after finding a lump

She described the treatment she received at the hospital as "phenomenal".

Ms Hughes, 46, who was recently promoted to the Wales Office, was diagnosed at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, earlier this month after finding a lump.

Claire Hughes MP, who represents Bangor Aberconwy in north Wales for Labour, said she is scheduled to have surgery on Friday.

A junior UK government minister has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

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Ms Hughes was referred to a breast clinic for a "small lump" by her GP on the first day of parliamentary recess in September, but "wasn't really worried".

"I was initially quite blas? and assumed it would be a cyst or similar," she said.

Ms Hughes had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy on the day, and received the diagnosis the following week.

She will also undergo courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

"My care from the team at Ysbyty Gwynedd has been fantastic throughout," she said, adding she "can't speak highly enough of them."

In a video on social media, Ms Hughes said she will taking a "little bit of a step back" from work.

"I want you to know that I am still here to represent you, to fight for your behalf, and my team are all here to help with you," she said.

"I will be doing the absolute best I can to get over this, to get back and doing my role as your MP fighting for our future here in Bangor Aberconwy."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he and his wife Victoria were sorry to hear the news and wished her all the best.

"All of us in the Labour Party will be here for you as you recover," he said in a post on the platform.