Matt Hancock is expected to defend his performance as health secretary during the pandemic when he appears before the Covid Inquiry today.

The former minister’s evidence is set to last the whole day, following repeated criticisms made against him by a number of other witnesses.

The inquiry heard that Lord Sedwill, the most senior civil servant at the time, wanted Mr Hancock sacked. 

In one WhatsApp exchange with Simon Case, the then permanent secretary in No 10, Lord Sedwill joked it was necessary to remove Mr Hancock to “save lives and protect the NHS”.

Earlier this week, Andy Burnham also told the inquiry that Mr Hancock knew Tier 3 restrictions would not work when he imposed them on Greater Manchester.

The mayor accused the Government of administering a “punishment beating” for the city in late 2020, following an argument over financial support for residents who were unable to work because of the restrictions.

Follow the latest developments below.