HEALTH SECRETARY Jeremy Hunt has claimed King George Hospital’s A&E “will not close in the foreseeable future” – despite health bosses saying it will shut in 2019.

The Secretary of State for Health made the claim today (May 12) on a Conservative campaign visit to back Lee Scott in the tight race for Ilford North.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The decision to close the emergency department in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, was taken by the Conservatives in 2011, who claimed it will only be replaced with an “urgent care centre” when nearby facilities at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone and Queen’s Hospital in Romford are up to scratch.

Earlier this year the executive lead for the Government’s North East London Sustainability & Transformation Plan (STP) said they hope the A&E will be safe to close in 2019, but will only be downgraded to an urgent care centre when they are “fully satisfied all the necessary resources are in place.”

But speaking today Mr Hunt said: “I cannot see it happening in the foreseeable future.”

He added: “Don’t believe Labour’s scaremongering and look at what’s actually happening.

“More money is going into the NHS than it ever has before.

“And if you vote for Lee Scott, you are voting for that to continue.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mr Scott’s Labour rival Wes Streeting was waiting outside the Tory campaign event with “Save King George A&E” placards.

He rubbished Mr Hunt’s claim, saying: “Jeremy Hunt has come to Ilford North during the election campaign and he has said King George’s A&E 'will not close in the foreseeable future'.

“Well we know that’s politician speak for I know it will happen but I don’t just want to say it during election time.

“He is the only politician in the country who has the power to reverse the ministerial decision to close King George’s A&E, and he’s chosen not to do it.”

Mr Streeting tried to approach Mr Hunt to ask him about King George’s future as he was leaving the venue, but the Minister drove off.

In a heated exchange Conservative supporters shouted “We want Corbyn” and “loser” at the Labour hopeful, before sticking a Lee Scott placard on the front of Mr Streeting’s car.