Jeremy Hunt hits back over criticism over new £44k office bathroom, claiming it is ‘not for personal use’

Jeremy Hunt has denied reports that he spent £44,000 of taxpayer money on a bathroom suite in the new Department of Health building for his own use.

The Health Secretary took to Twitter to dismiss claims made by The Sun that the private bathroom – featuring a designer toilet, power shower and sensor-activated lights – has been commissioned for himself.

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).

“FALSE it was for my own use. My cycle 2work only 10 mins so no need 2 ‘freshen up’ as story elegantly says. But let’s encourage cyclists!”.

The Department of Health, currently based in Whitehall, was unable to give details about plans for a suite in the new offices in Victoria, South London, and did not confirm how much it would cost, who it would be for or where it would be located.

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It comes at a time of increased pressure and looming cuts to the NHS, which has been told to make £22 billion in efficiency savings by 2020.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “The Health Secretary has not approved any costs relating to the department’s new building, but has requested facilities for all cyclists and runners in line with those the department currently has.”