There’s praise in the Guardian for Norman Lamb’s work on mental health and for his efforts on social care. They assess him as a good but not a great minister – although they then go on to make pretty clear that the things he couldn’t deliver were because they were blocked by the Tories. Norman’s judgement on what needed to be done seems to have been pretty much exemplary:
First, on mental health:
Once in post, Lamb threw himself into the role with gusto. He combined a heavy Westminster workload – not least ensuring passage of the watershed Care Act – with a remorseless programme of visits to observe care practice and engage with professionals, carers and people who use services. He always seemed accessible: approached by strangers on the train from his North Norfolk constituency to London, he would happily set aside his papers and chat.
Ray James, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, says: “Norman combined insight and integrity to help ensure a landmark piece of social care legislation was delivered with people across the sector. The time he took to listen to those working at the frontline was always invaluable and appreciated. He can look back knowing that he made a difference.”
One difference that Lamb undoubtedly made, or at least helped in no small part to make, was the greatly enhanced profile of mental health. Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, describes him as “a fantastic advocate” who was clearly passionate about the cause. “As minister, he was involved in a number of key drives to improve mental health services, from the crisis care concordat to the introduction of the first waiting times and access standards for mental health.”
There was criticism of the outcomes on better provision for people with learning disabilities – but, again, this seems to be about factors beyond his control.
This was not for any lack of commitment on Lamb’s part. As Jan Tregelles, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, puts it: “He listened to families, cared personally about what is happening to people with a learning disability and went the extra mile to drive change across a complex and fragmented health and care system. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.”
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10 Comments
Yes a good report.
He was dealing with a classic ‘wicked’ problem (to use the terminology of complex systems theory). Command and Control from a central bunker cant easily deal with such problems – we need to evolve devolved systems to do that…
Hope that whatever role Norman plays in coming years he can help us understand better the limitations and strengths of government and how to get something better in future…
There seems an awful lot of guilt going down at The Guardian. Not that failed ‘squeezes’ on Labour voters was by any means the biggest element in the Lib Dem meltdown on May 7th..
The Guardian “assess him as a good but not a great minister”.
I recall on Saturday LDV said this of The Guardian.
“…The Guardian has spent the last five years spewing poison…”
https://www.libdemvoice.org/so-the-guardian-finally-recognises-the-usefulness-of-the-liberal-democrats-years-too-late-45972.html
“Spewing poison” to Norman Lamb’s new best friend in just 3 days.
Is that a record?
Would be interested to hear what you all think of Lamb. Would he be a good choice as leader?
Lamb is one of the few people who I could tell was a “liberal” without him speaking about it. It shines through his work and he also has a strong work ethic.
I don’t agree with him exactly, but I started championing him because of his work as a health minister and also his work rate.
John, if even the Guardian says a Lib Dem is good, then they must be pretty spectacular.
We need a group of campaigners . There is unfinished work on mental health and on the need for and obstacles to a seemlrss Heath / care system. That is one campaign
Alun Williams20th May ’15 – 11:01pm
“Would be interested to hear what you all think of Lamb. Would he be a good choice as leader?”
Alun – yes, he would be a good leader but Tim Farron would be significantly better.
Stephen – thanks.
In what ways do you think Tim would be better?
Alun, suggest you ask the 111 candidates at the general election who to date are supporting him, plus I believe today Simon Hughes and Alan Beith. They must know him fairly well.