July 1, 2021 LONDON: Boris Johnson faced claims of trying to “sweep under the carpet” the Matt Hancock scandal as the former health secretary’s office affair dominated Prime Minister’s Questions. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told MPs the incident which led to the downfall of Hancock was part of a “pattern” in which Johnson backed his colleagues despite questions over their conduct. Former health secretary Hancock resigned the day after photographs of him kissing adviser Gina Coladangelo were published by The Sun newspaper. Johnson, through his spokesman, initially declared the matter “closed” before then seemingly trying to take credit for replacing Hancock with Sajid Javid.