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New head of NHS watchdog criticised over private health insurance

Baroness Harding was scrutinised over her use of private health insurance: EPA
Baroness Harding was scrutinised over her use of private health insurance: EPA

The new head of the NHS financial regulator has faced scrutiny for refusing to give up her private health insurance.

Baroness Harding, 49, of Winscombe, the former chief executive of TalkTalk, dismissed suggestions that she should give up her private healthcare, despite being put in charge of cost-cutting in the NHS.

She also refuted claims she would need to resign her role as Tory whip amid claims it would affect impartiality. Harding is the Government's preferred candidate to become chairwoman of NHS Improvement (NHSI).

Appearing at a pre-appointment select committee, Sarah Wollaston, the committee chair, suggested that giving up private insurance might give the public "confidence that you are using the same service as they are".

But, she responded that it was important "not to demonise" one form of healthcare over another.

She said: "I don't think we should be demonising one over the other.

"I think the NHS itself is absolutely a pillar of British society but as I've said I think it's pretty obvious from the outside that the system needs more money.

"I think we'd be cutting off our hand to spite our face if we demonise private healthcare."

The Baroness, who is married to Conservative MP John Penrose, resigned from her top role at TalkTalk earlier in the year in the aftermath of a devastating cyber-attack.