by Mary Graham

The man who could decide the fate of Maidstone’s maternity services is to meet hospital bosses.

Andrew Lansley (Con), the shadow health secretary, will meet Glenn Douglas, chief executive of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

The meeting has been brokered by Helen Grant, (pictured right with Mr Lansley) the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and the Weald.

It comes just a week after health campaigners won a crucial victory in the battle to keep a full, consultant-led maternity service at Maidstone, when KCC referred plans to the health secretary, Andy Burnham.

It’s not clear when the decision will be made so a change of government could land the referral on Mr Lansley’s desk,

However, it is expected that the Department of Health will ask the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) to look at the plans and make recommendations.

Mrs Grant said: "Andrew’s involvement at this stage is critical with the prospect of a general election only weeks away.

"I firmly believe there is intent to seek a solution to our situation in Maidstone within both of these men."