Andrew Bridgen, the independent Member of Parliament for North West Leicestershire, and Matt Hancock, the former Health Secretary, are due at a court hearing this Friday to decide whether Mr Bridgen’s libel action against Mr Hancock can continue. 

It is not clear whether the politicians themselves will attend. 

The case began when Mr Hancock described a tweet by Mr Bridgen on 11 January 2023 as antisemitic in a parliamentary question, later tweeting about the question to his 439,000 followers. 

Mr Bridgen began a libel claim against Mr Hancock which was funded by donations from supporters. Mr Hancock has applied to have the case struck out. 

It’s understood that the basis for Mr Hancock’s strike out application is that Mr Bridgen was not named in his tweet.  

Mr Bridgen says the tweet was obviously about him and that Mr Hancock knew that at the time. 

His tweet about the Covid 19 vaccine programme led to his suspension and eventual expulsion from the Conservative party.