Responding to the announcement of changes to the NHS England leadership team, and confirmation of further downsizing to come at the centre, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

“I would like to thank Julian Kelly, Emily Lawson and Steve Russell for the important and lasting contributions they have made at NHS England.

“They have played vital leadership roles through very challenging times including the pandemic and its aftermath, bringing skill, commitment and determination to support and improve the NHS.

“We wish them all the best for the future.”