‘Hunt talks about the need to save money while getting the taxpayer to pay for a private bathroom fit for a king,’ says anonymous source.
In response to the claim a Department of Health spokeswoman has announced that an internal investigation is underway.
“This is a very serious breach of trust and we intend to find the individual—or individuals—responsible. This incident has put the department under a great deal of strain and I for one will be relieved once it’s over.”
It comes at a time of increased pressure on the NHS which has seen its budget slashed by £22bn.
“It is untrue that the bathroom cost the taxpayer £44K; it was a cost-neutral undertaking and as result we have had to introduce a number of additional temporary, indefinite mental health ward closures,” the spokeswoman added.
The Health Secretary has denied that the bathroom suite is for his own use.
Mr Hunt tweeted: “Today’s @TheSun story totally false. TRUE I requested shower for long dist cyclists in new Dept Health offices (as in current office).”
In an official statement to the press, Mr Hunt stated:
“It is totally and utterly untrue that this bathroom is for my personal use only: visiting members of my immediate family are permitted to use the facilities, as are Penny and Amber if they’ve had a particularly hard push across town.
“I’m fortunate to have a ten minute bike ride to work: some of my senior colleagues have to suffer the ignominy of travelling on London Underground for up to twenty-five minutes a day; the domestic staff on the other hand get to enjoy three overground rides on night buses.”
