KENNEDY: WHY I QUIT
She said she had gone “absolutely ballistic” when Liverpool Council’s former chief executive Sir David was appointed chairman of the Strategic Health Authority.
The pair had originally fallen out over the future of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
As a result she resigned from the Department of Health.
“I could just not remain in post when he was appointed to such a crucial job,” she said.
Making the decision to stand down as an MP had been a hard choice, she admitted.
“I think a lot of people sneer when you want to spend more time with your family.
“But when you have served in Government for 10 years, yes it’s rewarding as an individual, but it is also very draining and has an impact on your family in lots of ways that you are aware of but there is nothing you can do about it.
“In Government your whole life is dictated by the department, it is unrelenting.”
