Sir Simon Stevens has today announced he will step down as chief executive of NHS England in July. He will leave his post 'as planned' after seven years to become a crossbench peer in the House of Lords. In a letter to colleagues, he described being in charge of the NHS through 'some of the toughest challenges in its history' as a privilege. Sir Simon — who earned up to £200,000 a year — has served through three elections and the Covid pandemic. Boris Johnson said the outgoing health chief had 'led the NHS with great distinction for the past seven years'. And politicians have voiced their recognition of Sir Simon, 54, whose planned departure was rumoured in NHS circles for two years.