NHS bosses have been reminded to stop splashing out on diversity officers.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay told them to prioritise cash for the front line.
He said current ads for diversity roles have “salaries of up to £96,376, which is above the basic full-time pay for a newly promoted consultant”.
He added in a letter to local heath boards: “I do not consider that this represents value for money.”
Mr Barclay ordered a crackdown on “woke” middle managers last year.
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His letter this week said he wants local NHS bosses to aim towards “ceasing recruitment” for “standalone” diversity jobs.
NHS insiders lashed out at the minister’s orders.
Prof Nicola Ranger of the Royal College of Nursing accused him of “trying to create a false division”.
“Frontline staff know the importance of diversity in leadership, even if this government is shunning it in a culture war.
“Discrimination faced by staff and patients is systemic.”