The Department of Health's director of policy, commissioning and primary care has played a pivotal role in developing primary care strategy under two successive Governments.
Under Labour he oversaw Gordon Brown's access drive and all its associated policies, including extended hours and Darzi centres - now he is charged with driving forward the coalition's commissioning reforms.
Less pugnacious than some of his peers who have held top DH positions, he may not be a household name (or face) amongst the rank and file, but he continues to be a hugely influential force on primary care.
This article appeared as part of Pulse's list of the top 20 most influential non-GPs of 2011. The full list can be found here.
The top 50 most influential GPs of 2011 can also be viewed here.
