MATT Hancock has revealed a “toxic culture” at the heart of government – as he tried to “wake up” Whitehall over the Covid threat.
The former Health Secretary launched into a ferocious attack on the government machine as he attempts to fend off a barrage of criticism.
He has come under fire from witnesses at the inquiry in recent weeks including ex-Number 10 aide Dominic Cummings who called him a “proven liar”.
His evidence at the probe today – under questioning from Hugo Keith KC today – comes days before Boris Johnson gives evidence next week for two days.
Mr Hancock said: “The culture of the Cabinet Office is to be sceptical of the operation of departments, particularly to hold them to account.
“I think that the toxic culture that you’ve seen at the centre of government, that’s been the subject of much discussion was unhelpful in assuming that when anything was difficult or a challenge, therefore there was somehow fault and blame.”
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The ex-Health Secretary will be quizzed on lockdown restrictions and support for care homes, for which he has come under fire.
And of course his steamy rule-breaking clinch with a top aide revealed by The Sun that saw him resign.
Mr Hancock prepared to give evidence as it was announced Boris Johnson will appear at the inquiry next Wednesday and Thursday.
Two days have been blocked out to question the former PM who was in charge for the pandemic.
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Mr Johnson's pandemic began with him downplaying the threat, before being struck down by the disease and coming close to death.
He left No10 in September 2022 after is no longer an MP following various Partygate probes.
Both Mr Johnson and Mr Hancock have been criticised by other witnesses at the Covid inquiry so far.
Mr Hancock – now an independent MP – has especially been blasted by fellow politicians including being accused of lying about Covid progress.
Since leaving frontline politics he has appeared on I'm A Celebrity and SAS Who Dares Wins.
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