CQC CEO Sir Julian Hartley Resigns Amid Leeds Maternity Care Inquiry

Sir Julian Hartley has resigned as Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following the announcement of an independent inquiry into maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which he led for a decade until 2023. His resignation was prompted by concerns that his position at the CQC could undermine public trust and confidence in the regulator amid ongoing investigations into the trust's maternity services, where at least 56 babies and two mothers died over five years possibly due to preventable care failures. Hartley expressed sorrow for the harm suffered by families and committed to supporting the inquiry to provide transparency and answers. His departure is seen as an unselfish decision to protect the integrity of the CQC, with Dr Arun Chopra set to serve as interim chief executive. The Chair of the CQC, Professor Sir Mike Richards, acknowledged the loss but supported Hartley's decision, emphasizing the need for the regulator to maintain the highest standards. Families affected by the maternity care issues had called for Hartley's resignation, questioning his prior appointment given his leadership at the trust during the period in question.