Hancock aide ‘a key link in Tory VIP lane’ for PPE

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A CLOSE aide to Matt Hancock was one of the “main routes” for Tory-connected firms to win lucrative NHS contracts for emergency Covid supplies through a “VIP” channel.

The disclosure in the High Court came as a judge ordered the Health Secretary to reveal the names of others involved in the “high priority lane”.

He has until Friday to also produce texts and WhatsApp messages relating to deals.

The order from Mrs Justice Finola O’Farrell came as the Good Law Project challenged the legality of the process.

Last week we told how names of ministers, officials and firms had been redacted in documents given to the court.

The ruling orders they be disclosed. The court heard this week that Cabinet Office Minister Lord Theodore Agnew and Health Minister Lord Nicholas Bethell were among the “main routes” to fast-track bids from political contacts.

Another named was Andrew Mills, adviser to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss.

An unnamed official said a VIP bid Mills was dealing with was “using previous relationships and making noise we are not being responsive”.

Of the nine contracts under judicial review, Good Law claim five failed because all or some of the PPE was faulty.

Companies named in the hearing include Luxe Lifestyle, which won a £26million deal despite records showing it to be insolvent with no staff.

And Clandeboye Agencies, given a £108m PPE contract, is registered as a “wholesaler of sugar, chocolate and sugar confectionery”.

Mr Hancock argues the VIP lane was legal and responsible. Jason Coppell, QC for Good Law, said there had been “an obvious lack of transparency”.