Leaked projections have revealed that the number of people in England waiting for planned hospital care could hit 10.7 million by March 2024.

Seen by the Spectator magazine, the projections, prepared for ministers and NHS bosses, indicate that even under a best case scenario the waiting list could reach 9.2 million. The downside scenario shows the list peaking at 10.7 million and easing to just 10.3 million in 2025.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid conceded to MPs as part of his Elective Recovery Plan speech that the backlog, which already sits at a record six million, would keep on growing for another two years.

The waiting list stood at 4.4 million when the coronavirus pandemic struck in March 2020.

NHS England has committed to ensuring that no patient has to wait longer than two years for planned care by this July, and that no one will have their care delayed by more than a year by March 2025.