Sir Keir Starmer: 'Huge questions to answer' for PM and Sajid Javid after Hancock resignation

Sir Keir Starmer has said there are “huge questions still to answer” in the aftermath of the resignation of Matt Hancock.

Speaking to the media in north London, the Labour leader was asked if Sajid Javid is a good appointment as Mr Hancock’s replacement as Health Secretary.

Sir Keir said: “We need a strong Health Secretary as we come through the pandemic. “But obviously there’s huge questions still to answer.

"If anybody thinks that the resignation of Matt Hancock is the end of the issue, I think they’re wrong and I think the incoming Health Secretary and the Prime Minister now have serious questions to answer about the CCTV, about the access, the passes, the contracts, etc.

Matt Hancock resigned as Health Secretary in a letter to Boris Johnson where he says the Government "owe it to people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down".
Aaron Chown

“So the resignation is far from the end of the matter.”

Mr Hancock resigned on Saturday evening after the Sun newspaper printed pictures of the former Health Secretary kissing his aide inside his Department of Health office.

Former Chancellor and Home Secretary Sajid Javid has been chosen as his replacement, and has said his “most immediate priority” will be ending the coronavirus pandemic as soon as possible.

Speaking to the media for the first time since becoming Health Secretary on Saturday, Mr Javid said: “I just want to start by saying I think Matt Hancock worked incredibly hard, he achieved a lot, and I’m sure he will have more to offer in public life.

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid leaving his south London home following the Cabinet reshuffle.
Kirsty O'Connor

“I was honoured to take up this position. I also know that it comes with a huge responsibility and I will do everything I can to make sure that I deliver for this great country.

“We are still in a pandemic and I want to see that come to an end as soon as possible and that will be my most immediate priority, to see that we can return to normal as soon and as quickly as possible.”