The Tories are set to break their manifesto pledge to build 40 hospitals this decade after being forced to prioritise crumbling buildings.

The Health Secretary is expected to announce on Thursday that eight hospitals will not be built until after 2030.

Ministers are set to prioritise rebuilding five existing sites after realising they were in such disrepair that they could pose a risk to patients.

However, officials will insist that they remain on track to deliver their manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals, saying that they will count the five hospitals being rebuilt, and three extra mental health facilities, in their count.

But the announcement will see ministers accused of breaking a pledge over the programme which has seen significant delays.

Officials are expected to say that patients and staff will benefit from “safe, state-of-the-art new facilities and improved care”, as it announces the new commitment to rebuild the five major hospitals by 2030.