Former Health Secretary accused of wanting to make life-and-death decisions
Matt Hancock, the former Health Secretary, allegedly wanted to have the power to decide "who should live and who should die" if hospitals became overwhelmed during the Covid pandemic, according to Lord Simon Stevens, the ex-NHS England chief executive. Lord Stevens claimed that Hancock believed he should be the one to make such decisions, rather than the medical profession or the public. Fortunately, this dilemma never became a reality. Lord Stevens also stated that senior ministers sometimes avoided attending Cobra meetings chaired by Hancock, delegating the responsibility to junior ministers instead.
Criticism and defense of Matt Hancock
Matt Hancock has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic, with accusations of being a "serial liar" by ex-Whitehall boss Helen MacNamara. However, Sir Christopher Wormald, the Health Department's top civil servant, defended Hancock against such claims. He stated that while many people felt Hancock had been "over-optimistic" in his predictions and promises, only a small number believed he was intentionally dishonest.
