Jeremy Laurance: The new regulator mustbe made of sterner stuff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cynthia Bower never looked comfortable as Britain's chief health and social care inspector. But was she the wrong person in the wrong job – or was the job impossible to do? She arrived at the CQC in 2009 under a cloud because of her association with the Mid-Staffordshire scandal.
She had been chief executive of the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, with responsibility for Mid-Staffordshire trust, and was criticised for being "too easily assured" that nothing was amiss. Her credibility was thus compromised from the start. But her supporters say she was compromised by the job, by the Department of Health's insistence that the CQC undertake the work of three organisations with two thirds of their resources.
Critics say Ms Bower should have demonstrated her independence and demanded resources. Instead, she tried to please everybody and pleased no one.
Mr Lansley now has to find a replacement. It will not be easy. He may want to look outside health and social care where candidates are less likely to emerge with conflicts of interest.
A regulator must establish their independence and cleave to it – something Ms Bower never quite managed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments