FAMILIES bereaved by Covid-19 have raised fears that Matt Hancock’s use of a personal email account for government business poses a risk to accountability ahead of an inquiry into the handling of the pandemic.  

In a letter to the Information Commissioner, Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice expressed concerns that the ex-health secretary’s actions could make it more difficult to access evidence. 

The group is calling on the watchdog to ensure that any correspondence in the public interest is made available from Mr Hancock’s account.

“We are very concerned about what Matt Hancock’s use of a personal Gmail account during his tenure as health secretary may mean for those seeking transparency and accountability regarding the many life-and-death decisions taken in the Department of Health,” the group said. 

The family justice group has also written to Mr Hancock and the new Health Secretary Sajid Javid urging them to ensure that all communications are handed to the public inquiry. 

According the Sunday Times, Mr Hancock routinely used his private Gmail account to conduct government business during the pandemic, including approving lucrative Covid-19 contracts. 

Health minister Lord Bethell has also been accused of using private emails for government business. 

This has prompted fears of a “transparency black hole” ahead of the promised Covid inquiry, due to take place in 2022. 

Labour has also warned that ministers should not be able to hide from scrutiny through their use of private accounts.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner has called for an inquiry to “get to the bottom of the use of private emails by government ministers to uncover any more dodgy dealings, protect our national security and ensure that ministers cannot hide from scrutiny and the public inquiry.”