Poor leadership and management skills could compromise improvements to the NHS, an all-party report by MPs has warned. The Commons health committee said that a lack of analytical and planning skills among local managers would jeopardise plans to improve care and increase patient choice outlined in Lord Darzi’s next stage review. But Steve Barnett, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said that the MPs’ concerns were misplaced and that trusts would be capable of delivering Darzi’s vision. The Department of Health has also created a new national leadership council to develop the next generation of leaders. Appointments so far include Barnett and Clare Chapman, NHS director-general of workforce.