Under-fire Jeremy Hunt held secret reception hours after cancelling public event fearing a backlash from doctors

After pulling out of a drinks and canapés reception amid fears of a backlash from junior doctors Mr Hunt hosted a small event for party members, but kept the council leader in the dark.

Leader of Fareham Borough Council Seàn Woodward was snubbed from the secret event yesterday.

Mr Hunt was due to mingle with party activists at a bash at the Lysses House Hotel in Fareham last night but the event was cancelled among fears that junior doctors might turn up and begin grilling him.

The cancellation came just 24 hours after Mr Hunt vowed to impose controversial junior doctor contracts which medics have pledged to fight against.

But it has been revealed that the senior Conservative politician then held a private meeting with party members in Hampshire which Cllr Woodward, who is also an executive member for Hampshire County Council, was not included in.

Cllr Woodward told the Daily Echo: “I was instructed that the event had been cancelled due to concerns of safety for participants.

"I was at a business awards ceremony in the evening and was not involved.

“I understand that there had been a lot of staff on Facebook threatening disturbances and there were concerns for safety.

"I must say having been at the Portsmouth City Council meeting earlier this week and seeing the intimidation of councillors and members of the public that took place there, quite frankly I’m not surprised this event was cancelled.”

It has been reported that Thomas Fyfe, chairman of Fareham Conservatives, said: “Because of the very real threat of disturbance from groups circulating details of our planned reception with Jeremy Hunt, the advertised event was cancelled on security grounds.

"A smaller private event for party members to meet Mr Hunt was held instead at another location.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to those who had bought tickets and were unable to attend, all of whom will be offered a full refund.”

This statement came after protestors had posted messages on social media urging people to attend the event organised by Fareham Conservatives and pay the £15 entry fee so they could demonstrate against Mr Hunt’s decision.

Fareham Conservatives were unavailable for comment.

While visiting Hampshire yesterday, Mr Hunt did attend a tour of Fareham Community Hospital in the afternoon with Fareham MP Suella Fernandes staff, senior bosses and members of the hospital's task force.

He was meeting a pledge made in October last year when Ms Fernandes personally invited him there when pressing Mr Hunt at Parliamentary Question Time.

The hospital has recently achieved Dementia Friendly status and had a plaque unveiled by the Secretary of State yesterday to mark the achievement.

Ms Fernandes, who has set up the hospital's taskforce, said afterwards: "It was a very useful meeting, and I’m grateful to everyone at the hospital for hosting us.

"They provide excellent services and I was glad to be able to tell Jeremy about the great work they do.

"I want to see more services provided there, and I hope after our discussions today we can make some progress."