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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Denis Campbell Health policy editor

Matt Hancock plotted to oust NHS England chief, WhatsApp leak shows

Stevens (left) and Hancock leaving No 10 after attending the daily Covid meeting in April 2020.
Stevens (left) and Hancock leaving No 10 after attending the daily Covid meeting in April 2020. Photograph: James Veysey/Rex/Shutterstock

Matt Hancock plotted to try and oust Sir Simon Stevens, a longtime thorn in the government’s side, from his role as the head of the NHS in England, the former health secretary’s leaked messages reveal.

Hancock conspired with Dominic Cummings, the chief adviser to then prime minister Boris Johnson, to remove Stevens before the Covid-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020.

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