Matt Hancock told the Covid inquiry some local leaders were “not constructive” and “actively unhelpful” in implementing restrictions, because they put “politics ahead of public health”.
Without naming him, the former health secretary appeared to criticise Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, while adding he had “no beef” with the city.
He was more positive about working with former mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson.
School closures could have been avoided with earlier Covid lockdown – Hancock