Hancock Denies Lying During Pandemic, Blames 'Toxic Culture' Led by Cummings

Former health secretary claims he warned of lockdown need 10 days prior, a claim disputed due to lack of evidence.

Matt Hancock, the former health secretary, has denied accusations of lying and overpromising during the Covid-19 pandemic, attributing such claims to a 'toxic culture' in Downing Street led by Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson's former chief adviser.
Hancock accused Cummings of creating a 'culture of fear' and being a 'malign actor' who hindered the pandemic response.
Hancock claimed he had warned Boris Johnson about the need for a lockdown 10 days before it was implemented, a claim disputed by Cummings and questioned by the inquiry due to lack of documented evidence.
Hancock's testimony is at odds with other witnesses, including former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, who have accused him of overconfidence and making false statements.
Hancock's political career was damaged after he broke social distancing guidelines in 2021, and he now sits as an independent MP.