Jonathan Van-Tam quits as England's deputy chief medical officer

Jonathan Van-Tam is to quit his role as England’s deputy chief medical officer.

The news was announced by UK health secretary Sajid Javid on Thursday.

Van-Tam, who has regularly appeared at Downing Street press conferences during the pandemic, will continue to work for the Government until the end of March.

He will then move on to take up a new role at the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

It has been an honour to work with JVT and I am hugely grateful for his advice & the vital role he has played in our vaccination programme.

I wish him all the best for the future at @UniofNottingham @UoNFacultyMHS
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) January 13, 2022

Javid expressed his gratitude to Van-Tam on Twitter.

He wrote: “It has been an honour to work with JVT and I am hugely grateful for his advice & the vital role he has played in our vaccination programme.

“I wish him all the best for the future at @UniofNottingham @UoNFacultyMHS.”

Van-Tam was awarded a Knighthood in the latest New Year’s Honours list, alongside Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer.

He held the role of deputy chief medical officer for England since taking on the role in 2017.

This is a big loss to the UK government. Although not an adviser to @scotgov JVT’s observations and opinions in the context of 4 nations discussions have always been wise and helpful. I wish him well. https://t.co/V4Nno040Y9
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 13, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also wished Van-Tam well as she praised his contribution.

She said: “This is a big loss to the UK government. Although not an adviser to @scotgov JVT’s observations and opinions in the context of 4 nations discussions have always been wise and helpful. I wish him well.”