Reshuffle sees Reid promoted as health secretary

Tony Blair's Cabinet reshuffle yesterday saw John Reid's rapid promotion through the ranks continue with his new role as health secretary.

The question of whom to install as health secretary was forced upon the Prime Minister on Monday, when Alan Milburn informed Mr Blair of his intention to leave the government to spend more time with his family. Mr Milburn then made that decision public hours before Mr Blair was due to announce the reshuffle.

Mr Blair was less than impressed by his colleague's decision and in a tersely worded reply, he thanked him for what he "did for the Government", and also for the "straightforward way in which you communicated your decision to leave".

Mr Blair went on to say that he was "very sorry" to seem him go – but not sorry enough to leave the door open for a return to government in the future.

Although Mr Milburn says otherwise, it is known that his relationship with the Chancellor Gordon Brown had deteriorated over the issue of foundation hospitals. Dr Reid, a former communist firebrand with a taste for confrontation, has pledged to maintain the momentum on the modernisation of the health service – and so the tensions between the treasury and health department will inevitably deepen.

Commenting on the appointment of John Reid as the new Health Secretary, Unison’s Head of Health, Karen Jennings, said: “There is no doubt that the job of Health Secretary is a tough one but John Reid is no stranger to tough jobs.

“Unison is looking forward to developing a relationship with him to ensure we make a success of the NHS.

“We hope that he will concentrate on delivering real improvements in patient care and will put his faith in the NHS and in public sector workers not in the private sector.”

The BMA's Chairman, Dr Ian Bogle, also welcomed Dr Reid to the post.

"I want to welcome Dr John Reid to his new post. I will be writing to him immediately to request an urgent meeting to discuss critical issues concerning the health service," he said.

"The BMA looks forward to a positive working relationship with Dr Reid."

However, Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, criticised the move, saying: “John Reid is well known for his confrontational style. It could lead to problems between the government and NHS staff, who have already had enough of political interference.

“In the three key ministries of Education, Health and Home Affairs, Mr Blair has appointed Cabinet Ministers who are bound to clash with frontline staff."

(GMcG)