Mr Strachan, who served as NPA chair between 2014 and 2018, did not clarify which policies he was referring to.

He also criticised the NPA’s “approach to [pharmacy] representation, as insurance appears to feature a more compelling offering”.

After he completed his four-year term as NPA chair, Mr Strachan remained on the NPA’s board of directors until earlier this week. The NPA confirmed that he had resigned on Wednesday evening (October 5).

The NPA said it was “understandable” that Mr Strachan wished to explain his decision to step down.

But it noted that the board “debates issues fervently”. “Once decisions are made, it believes that collective corporate responsibility is vital,” it said.

“Halcyon period”

Mr Strachan branded his four years as NPA chair “an honour”, referring to what he described as the organisation’s “halcyon period” between 2015 and 2017, when it campaigned against government cuts to English pharmacy funding.

“It was a highly collaborative and united period for our sector, which rallied behind some powerful shared values,” he said. “[It was] one of the proudest and most fulfilling periods in my life.”

He wished the organisation “every success in the future”.

For its part, the NPA said it was “grateful for Ian’s long service, especially during his period as chair”.

“Everyone knows Ian is a passionate advocate for community pharmacy and he brought this to all his dealings with the NPA,” it commented.

The NPA would not comment further on the issue, it said.