Keir Starmer comments on Simon Stevens standing down as head of NHS England

Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, commenting on Simon Stevens announcing he is standing down as head of NHS England, said:

“I want to thank Simon for his extraordinary service to our NHS. Simon has been a hugely effective advocate for the NHS, its patients and staff, and has led the service with great distinction through the greatest challenges it has faced since its foundation. The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme under Simon’s leadership has shown the NHS at its best.”

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, said:

“Simon Stevens has been an outstanding leader for the NHS since 2014, championing both staff and patients alike.

“The challenges of the past year have shown that strong leadership at the top of the NHS is more vital than ever before. The success of the vaccination programme is a real testament to his ability to deliver and we owe him a huge debt for his service to the NHS both over the course of the pandemic and the past seven years.”