Keir Starmer has reformed the organization of the NHS by resolving to end the autonomy of NHS England and bring it under direct ministerial control. The Prime Minister’s preference leans towards political oversight rather than an independent agency managing the functioning of the NHS.

This decision moves towards rolling back the restructurings of the NHS implemented under former Health Secretary Andrew Lansley during the coalition government’s initial phase. Starmer announced in a speech about governmental restructuring that the abolition of NHS England aims to “streamline bureaucracy” and restore democratic oversight of public health services.

According to Starmer, these changes will redirect funds to frontline staff, simplify processes, and expedite improvements within the NHS, with an eye on reducing wait times before the next election. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has been paving the way for these changes with plans to reduce the workforce of NHS England by half. Additionally, the Chief Executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, is set to step down at the end of the month.

Streeting affirmed the government’s stance on Thursday, stating they are eliminating the “largest quango in the world” by dissolving NHS England, and its responsibilities will now fall under the Department of Health.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/13/keir-starmer-abolishes-nhs-england-executive-body