Over to you Mr Hancock

There is no guidebook for new secretaries of state for health, and their approaches have often differed substantially. Some have decided to be radical, while others have had to spend time restoring relationships and bringing a period of calm. Sometimes there have been big policy shifts, even within the same government—such as when Jeremy Hunt followed the chaos created by Andrew Lansley, or the more market sceptic John Reid followed Alan Milburn.1

The extent to which Matt Hancock has discretion to choose how he will approach the role is limited. Whether or not it will be enough, most of the job of squeezing out more funding for the NHS has been done. A difficult 2018-19 remains, with providers having major financial deficits, winter approaching, and most targets going in the wrong direction.

The new incumbent will have opportunities to shape the 10 year plan for the NHS, but the power to set the plan has moved …