Matt Hancock’s former West Suffolk neighbour ‘won Government Covid-19 work’
Matt Hancock’s former West Suffolk contact is reportedly supplying the Government with Covid-19 test vials - despite having no previous experience of producing such supplies.
According to a report in The Guardian on Friday, Mr Hancock, the Health Secretary and West Suffolk MP, corresponded with ex-pub landlord Alex Bourne over WhatsApp.
Now Mr Bourne’s company Hinpack is said to be supplying two million of the medical bottles and cups to the NHS, via a distributor.
Mr Bourne used to run The Cock Inn in Little Thurlow, close to Mr Hancock’s former house. The now Health Secretary had been photographed pulling a pint behind the bar and in 2017 backed the pub for an award.
Haverhill-based Hinpack states on its website: “We provide a widespread range of food and drink packaging solutions and we work within a strict code of quality in our manufacturing.”
It is understood Mr Bourne responded to a Government’s call to arms to produce medical supplies at the end of March.
This reportedly put the wheels in motion for Hinpack producing the vials. There is no mention of this production on the company’s website.
Mr Bourne’s legal team has denied he has profited from his relationship with Mr Hancock.
Mr Hancock told the Guardian: “I’ve never once been to his house… He’s never been to mine. I’ve never once had a drink with him.”
Matt Hancock’s office has been approached for a response as has Hinpack.
