Surgeon: I'll stand as MP to save hospital

One of the capital's top surgeons is set to stand against a former Labour minister at the general election in an attempt to save a specialist hospital in London.

Professor Tim Briggs, medical director of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, has threatened to challenge Tony McNulty as an independent candidate for Harrow East if he does not receive about £60million needed to secure the institution's future.

The hospital is in a state of disrepair and costs millions to maintain. Professor Briggs has campaigned over nearly 15 years for funds to rebuild it on its site in Stanmore but the strategic health authority, NHS London, has not provided the cash.

He said he will stand if Health Secretary Andy Burnham does not give a firm commitment at a meeting this week.