Chief minister's HSSD pick could have rivals
THE man the chief minister wants to be political head of the under-fire Health and Social Services Department may still be challenged for the 'unenviable' seat.
Public Services minister Paul Luxon, pictured, was put forward as Jonathan Le Tocq's preferred candidate just a day after the HSSD board had said they would resign.
The chief minister was also among deputies who commended the outgoing HSSD minister, Deputy Mark Dorey, and his board for their swift decision to stand down as a result of the death of a newborn baby.
As political circles digested and began to react to the news, HSSD critic Mike Hadley said he would 'love the job', but doubted he would have the support required.
Rumours were also rife of other deputies considering a move and being persuaded to stand.
Deputy Luxon said while he was very settled at PSD, he had been approached. 'The chief minister and Policy Council asked if I would be prepared to put my name forward,' he said. 'I said yes because there is an absolute critical need for stability and a recovery plan to be put in place.'
Deputy Luxon acknowledged the size of the task ahead at the department in terms of its budget, number of employees and islanders it served. 'I would aim to bring some of my expertise in running large organisations in the private sector, prior to these four years in public service,' he said.
Following the death, an urgent review into maternity services in the Bailiwick has been launched by the department, in conjunction with the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery
Council.
