Labour's Andy Burnham takes over the shadow health secretary role (again), and Liz Kendall is promoted to the shadow cabinet as minister for care and older people.

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The new double-issue, 'Will Lords QE2 end the political confusion over Health Bill? Party conferences leave us neither wiser nor better-informed', is now out.

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Paul Waugh of Politics Home breaks the exclusive that Labour's shadow health spokesman John Healey tendered his resignation to party leader Ed Miliband last week.

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"Hard-working, pioneering, independent, creative, adaptable, optimistic, can-do. That’s the spirit that has made this United Kingdom what it is: a small country that does great things; one of the most incredible success stories in the history of the world.

This week, in Manchester, this party has shown the discipline, the unity, and the purpose that is the mark of a party of government. I’m proud of my team, I’m proud of our members, I’m proud to lead this party – but most of all, I’m proud of you.

People have very clear instructions for this government:

“Lead us out of this economic mess.”

“Do it in a way that’s fair and right.”

“And as you do it, make sure you build something worthwhile for us and our children.”

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At the Conservative Party Conference, the hall was considerably less that half-full for Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's speech yesterday. A cynic might begin to doubt that they are, as claimed, the party of the NHS.

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This 'quick questions' interview with Andrew Lansley comes via Whizz Kidz.

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Click here for details of 'Will Lords QE2 end the political confusion over Health Bill? Party conferences leave us neither wiser nor better-informed', the new issue of subscription-based Health Policy Intelligence.

The man with the most important job in Government spoke to his party today, and said ... there will be no change of policy on the deficit.

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Number 1 haiku
New CCG guide
Towards authorisation;
I'm so re-assured.

Number 2 haiku

Lords committee see
Unconstitutional Bill;
The price is not right.

This guest editorial from Nick de Bois, MP for Enfield North, sets out his case as to why the decision to close the A&E and maternity services at Chase Farm is unjustified.

De Bois recently wrote this letter of complaint to the Prime Minister about the decision.

I do not expect to be consulted over what instruments are used if I require heart surgery; but I do expect a choice over whether to undertake the surgery or not.