Iain Duncan Smith has criticised the trust which runs Whipps Cross Hospital for not replacing its departing chief executive. 

Chief executive of Barts NHS Trust, Peter Morris, announced in February he is to step down this summer after six years saying he can no longer provide the long-term leadership commitment needed to move the trust towards foundation status. 

The resignation, along with trust chairman Stephen O'Brien and chief nurse Professor Kay Riley was announced a month before a damning Care Quality Commission (CQC) report into Whipps Cross Hospital and the announcement of its £93m deficit - the biggest ever recorded.

The search for a new chief executive started in February, but no appointment has been made. 

Iain Duncan Smith, who is hoping to be re-elected as MP for Chingford and Woodford Green next month, has urged the trust to take "urgent action" to find a replacement. 

"I am very concerned that the Trust has not yet appointed an interim chief executive to take over after Peter Morris leaves," he said.  

"This reflects a wider problem of a lack of accountability and leadership at Whipps.

"I have written to the chair of Barts Health Trust to stress that this appointment should now be made an urgent priority."

Mr Morris apologised for the failings at the Leytonstone hospital, where patients were put at risk due to poor care and staff were bullied and harassed by management. 

The whole trust was placed in special measures and ordered to take urgent action to protect patient safety and improve services. 

A report released earlier this month by E-Reward.co.uk revealed Mr Morris was the highest paid chief executive in the UK last year with a salary of up to £280,000. 

Barts Trust refused to disclose the financial settlement of Mr Morris and Professor Riley in a freedom of information request by the Guardian because it included "sensitive personal data". 

A spokeswoman for Barts Trust, said: "Peter Morris announced on February 19 that he would be stepping down as chief executive but continuing until new arrangements are in place.

"The Trust is committed to appointing the right person to this crucial leadership role, whilst remaining absolutely focussed on providing the best care possible for our patients."