Apology to Burnham over emails
The Department of Health has apologised to Labour's Andy Burnham over the release of confidential emails he claims were used to smear him, ITV News has learnt.
Email data makes Burnham's position 'untenable'
New email data showing the Department of Health under the Labour government attempted to stop details emerging of a hospital scandal makes Andy Burnham's position as Shadow Health Secretary "untenable", according to the Tory MP who instigated the release of the details.
Steve Barclay requested the information from the Care Quality Commissions (CQC) watchdog, relating to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Barclay said that Burnham, who was Health Secretary at the time, was "putting pressure on the regulator to water down its concerns".
But Mr Burnham insisted the emails showed only that "my concern stemmed from the fact that CQC/DH rules had been broken.
"Further, the note records that I ordered a press release, in accordance with proper process, be issued later that day."
More top news
-
Joe Biden vows to fight racial inequality with economic agenda
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
-
Trump reverts to promoting unproven drug as coronavirus treatment
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
-
What the papers say – July 29
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.