22nd March, 2011

St Mungo’s Head Healer, Miranda Storm has withdrawn and will not be Britain’s next Minister for Magic. The Wizengamot confirmed late last night that Storm’s water of acclamation had been drained after the Healer’s declaration to Elders. Storm, 48, was a late nomination and the only female candidate for the post. Her decision was met with initial dismay from her nominators, but her reasons have their full support.

“My priority is to the hospital. While I am flattered and very glad to have been nominated by fellow Elders, I am committed to elevating St Mungo’s to a world-leading hospital, something I can only do as Head Healer. I have instead elected to work closely with the two candidates to ensure the Ministry and St Mungo’s build a better future for our society’s health,” Head Healer Storm explained in a statement to the Daily Prophet, explaining her decision.

Storm became Head Healer ten months ago, and has weathered both catastrophic injuries from the destruction of the Leaky Cauldron on Bonfire Night, to record fatalities from poisoned supplies just before Christmas, events the hospital has massively overhauled its working practices to guard against.

“We aim to be a completely self-sufficient hospital, something not achieved in St Mungo’s 400 year history,” Storm explained, “we have engaged the best minds in British herbology, potioneering and creature breeding, and cut ties with foreign suppliers who have grossly broken our trust and cost lives.” The lives of the 42 will never be replaced, but it would be foolish for the hospital to continue with the same practices in their wake.

Storm’s departure means Britain shall be led by either Prewett or Glass. The waters of acclamation continue to flow as the wizengamot debate. Storm has her own opinion on who is best for St Mungo’s plans: “While both candidates are more than worthy of the position of Minister for Magic, I believe that Mr Glass holds the population’s health as a priority."