Keir Starmer to announce radical NHS changes to cut waiting times

Exclusive: Patients in England to get direct referrals for tests without seeing consultant, but critics say plan is deluded'

• Starmer's team hope policy blitz will prove that Labour can deliver change

Keir Starmer will attempt to reset his premiership next week by setting out a series of radical NHS changes aimed at reducing waiting times for millions of patients in England.

The shake-up comes after a torrid first six months in government and amid mounting frustration among patients. More than 6 million are waiting for care.