Sajid Javid replaces Matt Hancock as UK health secretary

The former chancellor of the exchequer and home secretary takes over after Hancock forced to resign for breaking his own COVID rules.

Sajid Javid has been named Britain’s new health secretary after Matt Hancock was forced to resign on Saturday following revelations he broke coronavirus rules by kissing his aide. “The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care,” a short press release from the government read on Saturday. Javid, the former chancellor of the exchequer and home secretary, said he was “honoured” by the appointment.