Labour doctor’s ‘70% too high’ NHS pay packet.

Dr Mark Hayes is responsible for “strategic direction and performance guidance” at the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group and was paid £180-£185,000 as chief clinical officer in 2013-14.

He is standing as the Labour candidate in Selby and Ainsty while in his role.

Now Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has written to Dr Hayes’ boss at the group asking why the salary offered is considerable higher than the £105,000 to £120,000 he says is recommended in NHS guidelines.

Mr Jones said: “We all know that our NHS is under pressure, and the government is making changes to direct more resources to the frontline, it is important that CCGs play their part in keeping costs under tight control.”

A spokeswoman for the group said: “The chief clinical officer salary takes into account the invaluable experience of previously working as a local GP and the expertise and leadership qualities he brings from senior and executive roles in healthcare.

“Dr Hayes continues to provide the CCG with the strategic direction and performance guidance to deliver the NHS constitution and also local priorities, He will receive a pro-rated hourly rate of pay that continues to be in line with similar positions in the local health economy.”