Anthony Harnden has been appointed as the new chairman of the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Harnden is a Professor of Primary Care at the University of Oxford, and until the end of December 2024, a registrant council member of the General Medical Council and chairman of the Renumeration Committee.

He worked for the NHS for 40 years and notably will bring 33 years experience of working directly with patients during his time as GP in Wheatley, Oxfordshire.

He was also previously deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and played a key role in ensuring public trust and patient safety during the distribution of the COVID vaccine.

He succeeds former MHRA chairman, Stephen Lightfoot, who served from September 2020 and stepped down in 2023.

In his new role he will play a key role in driving forward the strategic direction of MHRA to maintain the UK as a global centre of excellence in life sciences, in the best interests of patients and the public.

Health Minister, Karin Smyth, said: “I am delighted to welcome Anthony, who brings a wealth of regulatory and healthcare experience, including 33 years as a GP.

“The MHRA plays a vital role in ensuring the safe use of medicines, medical devices and blood transfusions across the UK and I look forward to working with Anthony as we reform our health service and make it fit for the future.”

Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive, added: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Anthony Harnden as our new chairman.

“Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience from across the healthcare sector and academia that will be invaluable when advising on the strategic direction of the agency to protect and promote public health.”

Harnden said of his new role: “It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed by ministers to be the next MHRA chairman.

“I am looking forward to making a contribution to the future successes of the organisation.

“I will use my experience in healthcare and regulation to help the MHRA deliver its strategic priorities – keeping patients safe and enabling timely access to new medicines and technologies.”