Alan Johnson 'has no news is good news' NHS policy

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The Tories went on the offensive after a former spin doctor claimed the Department of Health is attempting to avoid controversy.

Jim Godfrey said: "Apparently ministers and advisers have taken the decision not to talk about the NHS to shut down any controversial debates. The result is that less debate equals less controversy, equals higher satisfaction levels."

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley lambasted Mr Johnson for not ordering a public inquiry into a scandal at Stafford Hospital where hundreds died on casualty wards.

Mr Lansley said that it was shocking that Labour was now forced to operate a "no-news-is-good-news policy on the NHS".

Sources close to Mr Johnson denied the claims: "It's true we haven't had as many media firestorms over winter crises in the NHS but that's because we have put in the resources and it has paid off."