Sir Julian Hartley, the former chief executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has resigned following the announcement of an independent inquiry into maternity failings at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTH), which he led for a decade until 2023. Hartley stated that his role at the CQC had become “incompatible” with the investigation and could “undermine trust and confidence in the regulator.”
In a statement, Hartley expressed regret for the harm suffered by families during his tenure at LTH. He said, “I am so sorry for the fact that some families suffered harm and loss during this time.” He pledged to support the inquiry to ensure families receive transparency and answers.
The inquiry, announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday, follows campaigning by parents who raised concerns about Hartley’s knowledge of maternity issues while leading the trust. Streeting had previously declared the CQC “not fit for purpose” last year, citing failures in regulation.
Sir Mike Richards, chair of the CQC, described Hartley’s departure as a “huge loss” but acknowledged his “unselfish decision” to protect the regulator’s credibility. Dr Arun Chopra, the CQC’s chief inspector of mental health, will serve as interim chief executive until a permanent replacement is found.
