Scourge of rule breakers Van-tam quits official role
Tributes paid to ‘JVT’ for his ‘unique approach to communication’ as he resumes job in academia
PROF Sir Jonathan Van-tam has resigned from his role as England’s deputy chief medical officer – just as Boris Johnson apologised over a No10 party held during lockdown.
Government sources insisted the events were not linked, saying Sir Jonathan, best known for his colourful press conference appearances, had long planned to return to academia. He also has a reputation for plain-speaking, particularly when asked about politicians breaking lockdown rules.
In May 2020, he was asked for his views on whether Dominic Cummings had breached rules by travelling to Barnard Castle. His condemnation was sweeping, telling a press conference: “In my opinion, the rules are clear and they have always been clear. In my opinion, they are for the benefit of all. In my opinion, they apply to all.”
Yesterday, the Prime Minister thanked Sir Jonathan “for his extraordinary contribution to our country and his invaluable advice throughout the pandemic”, while Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, said it had been an “honour” to work with the “national treasure”.
Sir Jonathan, who has been on secondment to the Department of Health from the University of Nottingham since 2017, is to take up a new role as pro-vice chancellor for its faculty of medicine and health sciences. He is understood to have told officials that he will leave his role at the end of March.
Sir Jonathan is best known for the analogies – often based on football – he used to communicate the risks and stages of the pandemic. Most recently, he urged people to get boosted to avoid getting a “red card” from omicron.
Mr Javid said: “There aren’t many clinical advisers who can be recognised solely by three letters, but JVT’S unique and straightforward approach to communication has seen him rapidly become a national hero. To use words that I think he might particularly like, we’re grateful that we’ve had him on loan for so many years. He’s been a top signing and he’s blown the whistle on time.”
Sir Jonathan said: “My time as DCMO has been the most challenging of my professional career, especially the Covid response. We all wish Covid had never happened. Notwithstanding, it has been the greatest privilege of my professional career to have served the people of the UK during this time.”
In a statement, he spoke warmly of the scientists and medics he had worked with, neglecting to mention any of the politicians involved in the Government’s response to the pandemic.
He said: “I want to pay tribute to Prof Chris Whitty, the CMO team, my fellow scientists, public health professionals and clinicians whose support, wisdom and energy has been inspiring.
“There are countless numbers who work behind the scenes – all of whom have an unrelenting commitment to help and support the public. It has been an honour to work with them all.”
Sir Chris Whitty, who was also knighted in the New Year honours list said: “Prof Van-tam has been an outstanding DCMO and public servant. I am profoundly thankful for his steadfast support, advice, leadership and commitment. His communication of public health advice and science has been remarkable.”
Yesterday, Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, told the Commons: “JVT already has a knighthood, but working with the Prime Minister, he must have the patience of a saint. On behalf of the whole Labour Party, we thank him for his service and we wish him well for the future. He is truly a national treasure.”