The
resignation is a massive blow to the authority of the prime minister who had
stood by the 42-year-old following his apology, declaring the matter to be
“closed”. It also leaves the government without a cabinet minister in charge of
the pandemic.
In his
resignation letter Hancock said: “We have worked so hard as a country to fight
the pandemic. The last thing I would want is for my private life to distract
attention from the single-minded focus that is leading us out of this crisis. I
want 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.”
In his
letter he praised the “dedication and courage of the NHS staff” but failed to
mention staff who work in social care.
Johnson
said in his reply that he was sorry to lose Hancock and that he “should leave
office very proud of what you have achieved – not just in tackling the
pandemic, but even before Covid-19 struck us”. But Johnson appeared to offer a
way back to government. “I am grateful for your support and believe that your
contribution to public service is far from over.”
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário