Facts

When asked on Sky News “is Kwasi Kwarteng’s position tenable” after the u-turn on plans to scrap the 45p top rate of income tax and the rumoured u-turn on plans to scrap a rise in corporation tax.

Greg Hands responded by saying “Totally, Kwasi Kwateng himself said yesterday he was 100% sure he will still be in position. I know the PM has got total confidence in Kwasi Kwarteng, I’ve worked very closely with Kwasi, he’s an incredibly capable person, a very very bright person who makes good judgement calls and I have absolute confidence in Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor of the Exchequer ”

Under Kwazi Kwarteng sterling crashed, interest rates soared. He was sacked after barely a month. Hands statement was indeed “incredible”.

Verdict

 Hands had been thrown a hospital pass when asked to tour TV studios that day.

We emailed Greg Hands’ office offering him the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.