Politicians practise politics. So it was understandable that Alan Johnson, UK health secretary, allowed his remarks at the Labour party conference this week to be seen as a sign that he was lukewarm about the healthcare reforms many union members dislike. On the same day came news that a group set up to advise the government on how to improve buying private sector services for the National Health Service had disbanded. Both events add to concern that the impetus for change is on the wane.

Since its members believed they were wasting their time, the decision of the NHS commercial advisory board to wind itself up has some merit. Public bodies have a habit of staying on well-past their shelf-life. The temptation is often to carry on as though their advice matters - even when it falls on deaf ears. In this case, members recognised that ministers had stopped listening and they could use their time and talents more profitably. On this, they should be congratulated.