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26th Jun 2021

Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as health secretary

Former chancellor of the exchequer Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as secretary of state for health and social care

Reuben Pinder

Hancock announced his resignation on Saturday afternoon

Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as secretary of state for health and social care, Downing street have confirmed.

Hancock resigned earlier on Saturday after the Sun published images and a video of him kissing one of his aides – cheating on his wife while Covid restrictions banning such contact were still in place.

In his resignation video, posted to Twitter, Hancock said:

“I’ve been to see the prime minister to resign as secretary of state for health and social care.

“I understand the enormous sacrifices that everybody in this country has made, that you have made.

“Those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them, and that’s why I’ve got tot resign.”

In his letter to Boris Johnson, he explained that he wanted to “reiterate my apology for breaking the guidance, and apologise to my family and loved ones for putting them through this. I also need to be with my children at this time.”

Sajid Javid was chancellor of the exchequer until he resigned in February 2020. Rishi Sunak replaced him at the treasury and remains in the position.

Javid will now replace Hancock at the department of health.