THE issues surrounding the controversial replacement of North-East health boss Kevin Earley are to be raised in the Commons next week.

MP Kevan Jones has secured a half-hour debate on Wednesday evening following condemnation of Mr Earley's removal as chairman of North Durham NHS Trust.

There have been allegations of cronyism over his replacement, Angela Ballatti, and another appointment in South Durham.

Mrs Ballatti and the new South Durham NHS Trust chairman Sandy Anderson once worked with regional NHS Appointments Commission chairman John Marshall.

Local MPs have attacked the sacking but it was recently backed in the Commons by Health Minister John Hutton.