Plans to wipe out the NHS backlog have been delayed as a top Tory denied claims of a clash with the Treasury over funding.
NHS England had been expected to publish a blueprint to reduce the record 6 million patients on waiting lists for non-urgent treatment in England after the pandemic.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid insisted the publication of the blueprint had been pushed back due to Omicron surge in December and rejected claims of tensions at the top of Government.