05.05.11
Lansley job loss speculation continues
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, may lose his job due to the NHS reforms, according to the head of the British Medical Association. The situation has stemmed from the proposed changes, which have been heavily criticised by medical professionals.
Chairman of Council, Dr Hamish Meldrum, told the Guardian he believed Lansley may have to step down if the Health and Social Care Bill underwent major changes.
Meldrum said: "I deal in policies not personalities, but I agree that it might be difficult for him to stay on if we see the significant changes to the reforms that we are asking for. But that's not a decision that's mine to make – it's for the Prime Minister.
“But yes, it's true that his credibility would be badly damaged if the Bill was watered down because he is so personally associated with the reforms."
Speculation concerning his replacement has posited David Laws, Phillip Hammond, or Stephen Dorrell as possible candidates for the job.
Although Lansley’s knowledge of the NHS is well recognised , it has been suggested a failure to get the ideas behind the reforms across to the public has left him exposed.
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