THE government declined for a sixth time to publish the details of companies winning public procurement contracts through its “VIP” fast lane during the pandemic today.

“Contract cronyism” has become a growing concern after firms found to have close links with the Conservative Party were offered lucrative contracts to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and healthcare services during the coronavirus crisis.

In Cabinet Office Questions, Labour’s Rachel Reeves asked her government counterpart Michael Gove to publish the details of “who was on the VIP fast lane and how they got there.”