Alan Milburn, a former Labour health secretary, has been made a top health adviser in the government as ministers look to reforming the NHS.
Milburn, who served under Tony Blair from 1999-2003, is known for his connections to private healthcare sector, having worked as a consultant to several firms since he left public office.
In an interview with the Times newspaper, he said the NHS needed "big reforms" to make it "fit for the future," arguing it was "in the worst state" he'd even seen.
But his appointment as a lead non-executive director on the board of the health department has sparked concerns due to his links to private healthcare.