Err, about that UN job, Mr Hancock?
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has seen a United Nations job offer withdrawn.
Hancock last week announced he had been appointed a special representative to the UN in an unpaid role.
The former cabinet minister, who resigned in June after admitting he broke coronavirus restrictions during relations with an aide, said he would be helping African countries to recover from Covid-19.
But according to Pass Blue, an independent organisation covering the UN, the offer will not be taken up by the organisation, quoting UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric as saying: “Mr Hancock’s appointment by the UN Economic Commission for Africa is not being taken forward.”
Nick Dearden, director of campaign group Global Justice Now, said: “It is right for the UN to reconsider this appointment.
“The last thing the African continent needs is a failed British politician. This isn’t the 19th Century.”
Hancock said: “A technical UN rule has subsequently come to light which states that sitting members of parliament cannot also be UN special representatives. Since I am committed to continuing to serve as MP for West Suffolk, this means I cannot take up the position.”