Annnnd he's gone. Hancock resigns.

[rebbonk]

I have no sympathy for the fool. He'll now be the fall guy for everything that has gone wrong, Bozo's patsy!

[dutchman]

Sajid Javid announced as Health Secretary after Matt Hancock resigns



Sajid Javid is the new health secretary, in a dramatic return to the cabinet for the former Chancellor who quit in a clash with Dominic Cummings.

Boris Johnson moved quickly to fill the post – with the pandemic ongoing – after the resignation of Matt Hancock for breaking Covid rules.

Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove were tipped to replace Mr Hancock, but the prime minister has instead turned to Mr Javid after a healing of relations between the pair, following Mr Cummings’ departure last year.

The appointment avoids the need for a wider reshuffle, by bringing in somebody currently on the Tory backbenches.

A statement from 10 Downing Street said: “The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.”

Mr Javid resigned in February 2020, in protest at Mr Cummings demand for him to sack his advisers to end a briefing war in Downing Street – making him the shortest-serving chancellor for more than 50 years.

Tensions had risen between Mr Johnson and Mr Javid over spending plans and the power of the two offices, reaching a tipping point with a demand for him to accept advisers picked by No 10.

As well as Covid, his new job hands Mr Javid the task of bringing down a terrifying surge in NHS waiting lists, which stand at more than 5 million people, with staff burnout and shortages a major problem.

He must also help thrash out a solution to the social care crisis – promised by the autumn – after a decade of inaction by the government.

[dutchman]

Javid is handed the poisoned chalice!