Regional director is named as NHS chief
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The man charged with implementing Labour's vision for the NHS was named yesterday as Nigel Crisp, a 48-year-old former community worker in Liverpool.
The man charged with implementing Labour's vision for the NHS was named yesterday as Nigel Crisp, a 48-year-old former community worker in Liverpool.
Mr Crisp, a Cambridge graduate, will take up one of the most onerous posts in Whitehall next month, combining the jobs of chief executive of the NHS and permanent secretary at the health department. He was previously London regional director of the NHS.
The job is one of the highest paid in government, but the salary - believed to be between £120,000 and £150,000 - was judged too low by headhunters brought in to fill it.
Ministers are thought to have wanted a figure from private industry with a higher profile to fill the post. A similar job in the private sector would attract at least twice as much.
Last night, a Downing Street spokesman said Mr Crisp's salary was "still being negotiated". Mr Crisp takes over from Sir Alan Langlands, who unexpectedly resigned earlier this year. Sir Alan signed a new three-year contract last year, but changed his mind a few months later, apparently out of frustration at ministerial interference.
He left in July to become vice-chancellor of Dundee University. The previous permanent secretary, Chris Kelly, is also leaving.
The success of the NHS plan, backed by a one-third increase in funding in real terms over the next four years, could determine Labour's standing in the eyes of the electorate. Tony Blair has staked his future on the outcome.
Alan Milburn, the Health Secretary, who attended the first meeting of the NHS Modernisation Board with Mr Crisp yesterday, said: "He will be a superb manager, having worked in both the public and private sectors and in urban and rural areas."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments