Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham warned Health ministers could face “criminal prosecution” if information is found to have been deliberately altered, destroyed or concealedShamed Matt Hancock faces a formal probe from the UK’s data watchdog over claims he used private email accounts for government business. It comes after claims Mr Hancock and Health Minister Lord Bethell used personal email addresses while discussing lucrative Covid contracts at the height of the pandemic. Elizabeth Denham, the Information Commissioner, said her team had issued “clear guidance” on the use of private methods of communication. “This frustrates the freedom of information process, and puts at risk the preservation of official records of decision making. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “All ministers are aware of the guidance around personal email usage and government business is conducted in line with this guidance.

Source: Daily Mirror July 06, 2021 18:26 UTC