Care Quality Commission boss resigns over maternity investigation into NHS trust he runs | Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The chief executive of the Care Quality Commission has resigned after an independent inquiry was announced into maternity failings at an institution NHS Trust, which he led for a decade.

Sir Julian Hartley said remaining in his current position would be “incompatible” with the investigation Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTH), which he led for ten years until 2023, saying this could “undermine trust and confidence in the regulator”.

In a statement, he said: “This was an incredibly difficult decision. However, I feel that my current role as chief executive of CQC is no longer compatible with the important conversations about care at LTH, including during my time as chief executive there.

“I am so sorry that some families have suffered harm and loss during this time.”

On Monday, Health Minister Wes Streeting announced a “Nottingham-style independent inquiry” into maternity and newborn services in Leeds after a campaign by parents who said Hartley had questions about what he knew as chief executive of the trust.

Hartley, who took over as head of the CQC, which regulates health and social care services in England, in December 2024, had worked to boost trust in the CQC after Streeting declared it “not fit for purpose” last year..

Streeting said the health board was so poorly run that patients in England could not trust the safety ratings for hospitals, care homes or GP practices.

Sir Mike Richards, chairman of the CQC, said Sir Julian’s departure was a “huge loss” for the organization.

“I understand his concerns that his previous role at the NHS teaching hospital in Leeds could undermine confidence in the CQC’s regulation,” he said. “I am grateful to him for taking this selfless decision in recognition of the need for the regulator to visibly maintain the highest standards.”

Hartley said: “I will support the inquiry into maternity services in Leeds as best I can so that families get the transparency and answers they need and deserve – and I want to avoid my association with the trust compromising the CQC’s work to restore people’s trust in the regulator.”

The CQC said Dr. Arun Chopra, its chief mental health inspector, will act as interim chief until a permanent replacement is found.