The Conservatives’ Andrew Lansley will become health secretary, with responsibility for adult social care, while the new coalition government will also take forward plans to make £6bn in cuts that could cut thousands of public sector jobs this year.
Following David Cameron’s appointment as prime minister last night, details are emerging of a policy agreement drawn up by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats and of who will be holding the top jobs in the coalition cabinet.
Lansley had been shadow health secretary since 2003 and is well-respected, particularly within the NHS. However, he may have to rebuild bridges with the adult social care sector after the Tories were criticised over their “death tax” campaign against proposals for a compulsory care levy put forward by Labour.
The campaign split apart all-party talks on reaching an agreement on reforming the funding of long-term care.
The Lib Dems opposed Tory manifesto plans to make an extra £6bn in public sector cuts – on top of those planned by Labour – in 2010-11 but have now signed up to the policy as part of the coalition deal. If £1bn of this comes from controlling public sector recruitment – as has been suggested – this could cost 20,000 public sector jobs.
This will form part of an emergency budget, which will take place within 50 days.
Full details of the policy agreement are due out shortly and the new government must draw up its legislative programme by the time of the Queen’s Speech on 25 May.
The Lib Dems have secured an opt out of Conservative plans to recognise the family in the tax system.
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https://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114476/gove-to-be-education-secretary.htm
Profile of Andrew Lansley
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/Profile-of-Andrew-Lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htm
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