Matt Hancock#Resignation
{{Short description|British politician (born 1978)}}
{{about|the British politician|the fictional Australian TV character|Matt Hancock (Neighbours){{!}}Matt Hancock (Neighbours)}}
{{Distinguish|Mike Hancock (British politician)|text=Mike Hancock}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = The Right Honourable
| name = Matt Hancock
| honorific-suffix =
| image = Official portrait of Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP crop 2.jpg
| office1 = Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
| primeminister1 = Theresa May
Boris Johnson
| term_start1 = 9 July 2018
| term_end1 = 26 June 2021
| predecessor1 = Jeremy Hunt
| successor1 = Sajid Javid
| office2 = Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
| primeminister2 = Theresa May
| term_start2 = 8 January 2018
| term_end2 = 9 July 2018
| predecessor2 = Karen Bradley
| successor2 = Jeremy Wright
| office3 = Minister for the Cabinet Office
Paymaster General
| primeminister3 = David Cameron
| term_start3 = 11 May 2015
| term_end3 = 14 July 2016
| predecessor3 = Francis Maude
| successor3 = Ben Gummer
{{Collapsed infobox section begin |last=yes |Junior ministerial offices
|titlestyle=border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder |embed=yes
| office = Minister of State for Digital and Culture
| primeminister = Theresa May
| term_start = 15 July 2016
| term_end = 8 January 2018
| predecessor = Ed Vaizey
| successor = Margot James
| office1 = Minister of State for Business and Enterprise
| primeminister1 = David Cameron
| term_start1 = 15 July 2014
| term_end1 = 11 May 2015
| predecessor1 = Michael Fallon
| successor1 = Anna Soubry
| office2 = Minister of State for Energy
| primeminister2 = David Cameron
| term_start2 = 15 July 2014
| term_end2 = 11 May 2015
| predecessor2 = Michael Fallon
| successor2 = Andrea Leadsom
| office3 = Minister of State for Portsmouth
| primeminister3 = David Cameron
| term_start3 = 15 July 2014
| term_end3 = 11 May 2015
| predecessor3 = Michael Fallon
| successor3 = Mark Francois
| office4 = Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise{{efn|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills from 6 September 2012 to 7 October 2013.{{cite web|url=https://members.parliament.uk/member/4070/career|title=Rt Hon Matt Hancock|access-date=15 March 2022|work=UK Parliament|archive-date=21 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921110522/https://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/matt-hancock/4070|url-status=live}}}}
| primeminister4 = David Cameron
| term_start4 = 6 September 2012
| term_end4 = 15 July 2014
| predecessor4 = John Hayes
| successor4 = Nick Boles
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
}}
| office10 = Member of Parliament
for West Suffolk
| term_start10 = 6 May 2010
| term_end10 = 30 May 2024
| predecessor10 = Richard Spring
| successor10 = Nick Timothy
| majority10 =
| birth_name = Matthew John David Hancock
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|10|2|df=y}}
| birth_place = Chester, Cheshire, England
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = Conservative
| alma_mater = {{Plainlist|
}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Martha Hoyer Millar|2006|2021|end=separated}}
| partner = Gina Coladangelo (2021–present)
| children = 3
| website = {{URL|matt-hancock.com}}
| caption = Official portrait, 2020
| signature = Matt Hancock signature.svg
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Matt Hancock on the NHS.ogg|title=Matt Hancock's voice|type=speech|description=Hancock on the National Health Service (NHS)
Recorded 4 October 2020}}
| footnotes =
}}
Matthew John David Hancock (born 2 October 1978) is a British politician who served as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General from 2015 to 2016, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport from January to July 2018, and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from 2018 to 2021. He was Member of Parliament (MP) for West Suffolk from 2010 to 2024. He is a member of the Conservative Party.
Hancock was an economist at the Bank of England before serving as a senior economic adviser and later as chief of staff to George Osborne. Hancock was first elected as an MP for West Suffolk at the 2010 election.
In Parliament, Hancock served as a junior minister at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills from 2012 to 2015 and was the United Kingdom Anti-Corruption Champion from 2014 to 2015. He attended David Cameron's cabinet as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General from 2015 to 2016. After Theresa May became prime minister following Cameron's resignation, Hancock was moved to the post of Minister of State for Digital and Culture. He was promoted to May's cabinet as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In July 2018, after Jeremy Hunt became Foreign Secretary, Hancock replaced him as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. After May's resignation, Hancock stood in the Conservative Party leadership election to replace her, but withdrew shortly after the first ballot and endorsed Boris Johnson. After Johnson became prime minister, Hancock kept his position as health secretary.
Hancock's time as health secretary was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and he played a prominent role in the government's response to it. He oversaw efforts to procure supplies needed, but the lack of a competitive tendering process for some contracts proved controversial. He expanded COVID-19 testing and tracing and also oversaw the early stage of the UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme. In June 2021, it was shown that he had breached COVID-19 social distancing restrictions by kissing and embracing Gina Coladangelo in his office. She was a director at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Hancock was having an extramarital affair with her. Following this, Hancock resigned as health secretary and returned to the backbenches. He was succeeded by Sajid Javid.
In November 2022, Hancock had the party whip suspended after announcing he would appear as a contestant in the twenty-second series of the survival reality television show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, in which he finished in third place. He did not seek re-election as an MP at the 2024 general election.
Early life and education
Matthew Hancock was born on 2 October 1978 in Chester, Cheshire, to Michael Hancock and Shirley Hills,{{Who's Who | author=Anon| title = Hancock, Rt Hon. Matthew (John David) | id = U251113 | year = 2017 | doi =10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U251113 | edition = online Oxford University Press|location=Oxford}} who had a software business. He has an older sister and a brother.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/08/sister-government-minister-suffers-traumatic-brain-injury-falling/|title=Sister of government minister suffers 'traumatic brain injury' after falling from horse|work=The Telegraph|date=8 May 2017|last=Sabur|first=Rozina|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215011122/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/08/sister-government-minister-suffers-traumatic-brain-injury-falling/|url-status=live}}
Hancock attended Farndon County Primary School, in Farndon, Cheshire, and then was privately educated at the King's School, Chester. He took A-levels in Maths, Physics, Computing, and Economics.{{cite news|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-matt-hancock-conservative-health-secretary|title=Who is the Tory Health Secretary, Matt Hancock?|work=Tatler|last=Sampson|first=Annabel|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609085531/https://www.tatler.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-matt-hancock-conservative-health-secretary|url-status=live}} He later studied computing at the further education college, West Cheshire College.{{cite web|url=https://feweek.co.uk/2014/04/24/with-two-offices-across-two-government-departments-two-secretaries-of-state-as-bosses-and-one-of-the-broadest-ministerial-briefs-around-life-is-hectic-for-matthew-hancock/|work=FE Week|date=24 April 2014|access-date=18 October 2019|title=Matthew Hancock MP, skills minister|last=Whittaker|first=Freddie|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018114357/https://feweek.co.uk/2014/04/24/with-two-offices-across-two-government-departments-two-secretaries-of-state-as-bosses-and-one-of-the-broadest-ministerial-briefs-around-life-is-hectic-for-matthew-hancock/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.kingschester.co.uk/news/alumni-news/cabinet-role-mp-matt-hancock/|title=Cabinet role for MP Matt Hancock|date=10 January 2018|work=King's School Chester|access-date=18 October 2019|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018114357/https://www.kingschester.co.uk/news/alumni-news/cabinet-role-mp-matt-hancock/|url-status=live}} Hancock then studied at the University of Oxford where he was an undergraduate at Exeter College, and graduated with a first class degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). He later earned a Master of Philosophy degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, where he was a postgraduate student at Christ's College.{{cite news |date=9 July 2014 |title=Young minister has the skills to climb to the top in Westminster |url=https://www.ft.com/content/027bd85e-0290-11e4-a68d-00144feab7de |access-date=16 April 2020 |work=Financial Times |url-access=subscription |archive-date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927124807/https://www.ft.com/content/027bd85e-0290-11e4-a68d-00144feab7de |url-status=live }} He was diagnosed with dyslexia at university.{{cite news |date=6 December 2021 |title=Exclusive Interview with Matt Hancock: Dyslexia and Me |url=https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/news/exclusive-interview-with-matt-hancock-dyslexia-and-me |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227132111/https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/news/exclusive-interview-with-matt-hancock-dyslexia-and-me |archive-date=27 December 2021 |access-date=28 March 2022 |publisher=British Dyslexia Association}} Hancock became a member of the Conservative Party in 1999.{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/matthew-hancock/84378|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808232448/http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/matthew-hancock/84378|archive-date=8 August 2012|title=Matthew Hancock|website=www.parliament.uk |date=8 August 2012}}
Early career
After university, Hancock briefly worked for his family's computer software company, Border Business Systems,{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-uk-contact-trace-app-matt-hancock-postpone-release-a9524696.html|last=Rentoul|first=John|title=The government's contact-tracing app delay is another IT disaster|date=20 May 2020|access-date=29 August 2020|work=The Independent|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529180146/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-uk-contact-trace-app-matt-hancock-postpone-release-a9524696.html|url-status=live}} and for a backbench Conservative MP, before moving to London to work as an economist at the Bank of England, specialising in the housing market. In 2005, he was an economic adviser to the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, later becoming Osborne's chief of staff.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/voters-don-t-want-extremes-they-want-the-centre-cn9lbhqnz|title=Matt Hancock interview: 'Voters want the centre, not the extremes'|date=4 May 2019|last1=Thomson|first1=Alice|last2=Sylvester|first2=Rachel|work=The Times|access-date=18 October 2019|url-access=subscription|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822074307/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/voters-don-t-want-extremes-they-want-the-centre-cn9lbhqnz|url-status=live}}
Parliamentary career
Hancock was selected as the Conservative candidate for West Suffolk in January 2010. He narrowly won the contest, defeating Natalie Elphicke (a solicitor who later became MP for Dover), by 88 votes to 81 in the final ballot.{{cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/highlights/2018/05/profile-matt-hancock-the-osborne-acolyte-who-managed-to-survive-and-prosper.html|publisher=ConservativeHome|title=Profile: Matt Hancock, the Osborne acolyte who managed to survive and prosper|last=Gimson|first=Andrew|date=10 May 2018|access-date=18 October 2019|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018114353/https://www.conservativehome.com/highlights/2018/05/profile-matt-hancock-the-osborne-acolyte-who-managed-to-survive-and-prosper.html|url-status=live}} At the 2010 general election, Hancock was elected as MP for West Suffolk with 50.6% of the vote and a majority of 13,050.{{cite web |title=Election Data 2010 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726162034/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=17 October 2015 |publisher=Electoral Calculus}}{{cite news |date=7 May 2010 |title=Election 2010: Constituency: Suffolk West |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/f10.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407121504/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/f10.stm |archive-date=7 April 2015 |access-date=8 April 2015 |work=BBC News}}
In June 2010, Hancock was elected to the Public Accounts Committee.{{cite web |url=http://conservativehome.blogs.com/parliament/2010/06/members-of-the-2010-intake-dominate-the-conservative-membership-of-select-committees.html |title=Members of the 2010 intake dominate the Conservative membership of Select Committees Tory MPs |publisher=ConservativeHome |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=8 April 2015 |archive-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100627030054/http://conservativehome.blogs.com/parliament/2010/06/members-of-the-2010-intake-dominate-the-conservative-membership-of-select-committees.html}} He served on this committee until November 2012. Hancock also served on the Standards and Privileges Committee from October 2010 to December 2012.
In 2011, Hancock became a member of the Free Enterprise Group, a group of Thatcherite Conservatives co-founded by Liz Truss. In January 2013, he was accused of dishonesty by Daybreak presenter, Matt Barbet, after claiming he had been excluded from a discussion about apprentices after turning up "just 30 seconds late".{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9795367/Hancocks-half-hour-Tory-minister-accused-of-dishonesty-about-missed-TV-appearance.html |title=Hancock's half-hour: Tory minister accused of 'dishonesty' about missed TV appearance |first=Peter |last=Dominiczak |work=The Telegraph |date=11 January 2013 |access-date=16 April 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004143351/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9795367/Hancocks-half-hour-Tory-minister-accused-of-dishonesty-about-missed-TV-appearance.html |url-status=live }} Hancock acknowledged on social media that he was running late, but said he turned up ahead of time for the interview and was unfairly blocked from going on set by producers.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/matthancock/status/289404995206537219 |title=Tweet |access-date=5 October 2022 |website=Twitter }} Barbet said Hancock knew he was "much more than a minute late" and he should have arrived half an hour beforehand to prepare for the interview.
In October 2013, Hancock joined the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise.{{cite news |url=https://www.cityam.com/cabinet-reshuffle-who-matt-hancock-meet-david-cameron-s-new-minister-business-enterprise/ |work=City A.M. |location=London |access-date=9 November 2019 |date=15 July 2014 |title=Who is Matt Hancock? Meet David Cameron's new business minister |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109191916/https://www.cityam.com/cabinet-reshuffle-who-matt-hancock-meet-david-cameron-s-new-minister-business-enterprise/ |url-status=live }}
In June 2014, Hancock, in his role as a minister, encouraged employers to become involved in offering more apprenticeships, allowing young people to learn and earn simultaneously.{{cite web |title=Matthew Hancock: world-class apprenticeships |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/matthew-hancocks-speech-on-world-class-apprenticeships |access-date=5 October 2022 |website=GOV.UK |date=2 June 2014 }}File:2014 Canada Europe Energy Summit (15199258873).jpgOn 15 July 2014, Hancock was appointed to the position of Minister of State for Business and Enterprise. On 27 July, he announced protection from fracking for National Parks,{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/fracking/10994412/National-parks-to-be-protected-from-fracking-Government-says.html |title=National parks to be 'protected' from fracking, Government says |first=Peter |last=Dominiczak |work=The Telegraph |date=27 July 2014 |access-date=16 April 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510115341/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/fracking/10994412/National-parks-to-be-protected-from-fracking-Government-says.html |url-status=live }} seen as a method of reducing anger in Conservative constituencies ahead of the election.{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Georgia |date=28 July 2014 |title=Fracking: Matthew Hancock fails to name a single village that supports it |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/fracking/10995052/Fracking-Matthew-Hancock-fails-to-name-a-single-village-that-supports-it.html |work=The Telegraph |location=London |access-date=16 April 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510195920/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/fracking/10995052/Fracking-Matthew-Hancock-fails-to-name-a-single-village-that-supports-it.html |url-status=live }} Interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, he rejected the suggestion that fracking was highly unpopular but he was unable to name any village that backed it.{{cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/10/02/tory-minister-retweets-labour-is-full-of-queers-poem/|title=Tory Minister retweets 'Labour is full of queers' poem|work=PinkNews|date=2 October 2014|access-date=6 July 2021|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617172022/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/10/02/tory-minister-retweets-labour-is-full-of-queers-poem/|url-status=live}}
Hancock served as Minister of State for Energy from 2014 to 2015. In this role he was criticised for hiring a private jet with senior diplomatic officials to fly back from a climate conference in Aberdeen, where he signed a deal with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to use British expertise in Mexico. A Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) spokesman said the chartered flight was organised to fit around diary commitments, and the conference was not about climate change, but it was a visit to a university and discussion about investment.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/02/energy-minister-under-fire-for-hiring-jet-to-fly-back-from-climate-change-deal |work=The Guardian |first= Severin |last=Carrell |title=Energy minister under fire for hiring jet to fly back from climate change deal |date=2 April 2015 |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-date=21 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921204437/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/02/energy-minister-under-fire-for-hiring-jet-to-fly-back-from-climate-change-deal |url-status=live}} Hancock was later criticised for accepting money from a key backer of climate change denial organisation, Global Warming Policy Foundation.{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Rowena |date=10 April 2015 |title=Energy and climate change minister accepts £18,000 from climate sceptic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/10/energy-climate-change-minister-matthew-hancock-donations-climate-sceptic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826013102/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/10/energy-climate-change-minister-matthew-hancock-donations-climate-sceptic |archive-date=26 August 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}}
In October 2014, he apologised after retweeting a poem suggesting that the Labour Party was "full of queers", describing his actions as a "total accident".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29462882 |title=Minister Matthew Hancock sorry for 'queers' retweet |work=BBC News |date=2 October 2014 |access-date=8 April 2015 |archive-date=25 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425060012/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29462882 |url-status=live }}
At the 2015 general election, Hancock was re-elected as MP for West Suffolk with an increased vote share of 52.2% and an increased majority of 14,984.{{cite web |title=Election Data 2015 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017112223/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=17 October 2015 |publisher=Electoral Calculus}}
Hancock became Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General on 11 May 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/people/matthew-hancock |title=The Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP |work=GOV.UK |access-date=15 October 2015 |archive-date=7 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907033141/https://www.gov.uk/government/people/matthew-hancock |url-status=live }} Hancock launched a new social mobility drive to promote diversity within the civil service, outlining his vision in a speech in February 2016.{{cite web |title=Addressing inequality in the public sector and beyond: Matt Hancock speech |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/addressing-inequality-in-the-public-sector-and-beyond-matt-hancock-speech |access-date=6 June 2023 |website=GOV.UK |date=2 February 2016 }} He led David Cameron's "earn or learn" taskforce which aimed to have every young person working or studying from April 2017. He announced that jobless 18 to 21-year-olds would be required to do work experience as well as looking for jobs, or face losing their benefits.{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hancock-every-young-person-should-be-earning-or-learning-from-april-2017 |title=Hancock: Every young person should be earning or learning from April 2017 |work=GOV.UK |date=17 August 2015 |access-date=6 June 2023 |archive-date=11 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011025539/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hancock-every-young-person-should-be-earning-or-learning-from-april-2017 |url-status=live }}File:Matt Hancock addressing civil servants in the Cabinet Office.jpgIn the 2016 UK referendum on EU membership, Hancock supported the UK remaining within the EU.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35616946|title=EU vote: Where the cabinet and other MPs stand|work=BBC News|date=22 June 2016|access-date=18 October 2019|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003020914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35616946|url-status=live}}
Hancock was again re-elected at the snap 2017 general election with an increased vote share of 61.2% and an increased majority of 17,063.{{cite web |title=West Suffolk - 2017 Election Results - General Elections Online |url=https://electionresults.parliament.uk/election/2017-06-08/results/Location/Constituency/West%20Suffolk |access-date=26 November 2019 |website=electionresults.parliament.uk}} He was again re-elected at the 2019 general election with an increased vote share of 65.8% and an increased majority of 23,194.{{cite news |title=Suffolk West Parliamentary constituency |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001034 |access-date=19 November 2019 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}
=Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport=
File:Official portrait of Matt Hancock crop 2.jpg
Hancock moved to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as the Minister of State for Digital and Culture on 15 July 2016 after Theresa May became prime minister.{{cite news |url=http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2016-07-16/new-jobs-for-east-anglian-mps-as-ministers-in-may-government/ |title=New jobs for East Anglian MPs as ministers in May government |work=ITV News |date=16 July 2016 |access-date=17 July 2016 |archive-date=28 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728202927/http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2016-07-16/new-jobs-for-east-anglian-mps-as-ministers-in-may-government/ |url-status=live }} As minister for digital policy, Hancock in June 2017 recommitted to a "full fibre" digital policy. This promised that 97% of the UK would enjoy "superfast broadband" at speeds of at least 24 megabits per second by 2020.Mark Jackson, ISP review, "Digital Minister Matt Hancock Recommits to "Full Fibre" Broadband Policy", 14 June 2017
In August 2017, Hancock oversaw the strengthening of UK data protection law. As Digital Minister he announced people would have more control over their personal data and be better protected in the digital age.{{cite web |title=Government to strengthen UK data protection law |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-strengthen-uk-data-protection-law |access-date=5 October 2022 |website=GOV.UK }}
On 8 January 2018, Hancock was appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in Theresa May's 2018 cabinet reshuffle, succeeding Karen Bradley.{{cite news |date=8 January 2018 |title=Reshuffle: Hancock promoted to cabinet |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-42602570 |url-status=live |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602144213/http://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-42602570 |archive-date=2 June 2018}} On his first day in the role he criticised the BBC for the amounts of pay its foreign journalists received, and said that some men at the corporation were paid "far more than equivalent public servants".{{cite news |last=Ruddick |first=Graham |date=9 January 2018 |title=New culture secretary attacks pay of BBC foreign editors |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/09/new-culture-secretary-attacks-pay-of-bbc-foreign-editors |url-status=live |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702015145/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/09/new-culture-secretary-attacks-pay-of-bbc-foreign-editors |archive-date=2 July 2020}}
In early 2018, Hancock was the first MP to launch his own mobile app, eponymously named the "Matt Hancock MP App",{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42902684|title='Hi I'm Matt Hancock - here's my app'|date=1 February 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201172619/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42902684|url-status=live}} which functioned as a social network for him to communicate with his constituents and give people updates in relation to his cabinet role.{{cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|title=MP Matt Hancock releases app called Matt Hancock MP|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/feb/01/matt-hancock-mp-app-released|work=The Guardian|date=1 February 2018|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=25 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425010342/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/feb/01/matt-hancock-mp-app-released|url-status=live}} The head of privacy rights group Big Brother Watch called the app a "fascinating comedy of errors",{{cite magazine|last=Burgess|first=Matt|date=February 2018|title=Matt Hancock MP has launched an app. And he wants all your data|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/matt-hancock-app-dcms-iphone-android-privacy-data|magazine=Wired UK|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201120104/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/matt-hancock-app-dcms-iphone-android-privacy-data|url-status=live}} after the app was found to collect its users' photographs, friend details, check-ins, and contact information.{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/culture-secretary-matt-hancock-mocked-for-launching-social-media-network-11232248|title=Culture Secretary Matt Hancock mocked for launching social media network|work=Sky News|last=Allegretti|first=Aubrey|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201183836/https://news.sky.com/story/culture-secretary-matt-hancock-mocked-for-launching-social-media-network-11232248|url-status=live}} Hancock said his app collected data once consent was granted by the user.{{cite news |date=2 February 2018 |title='Hi I'm Matt Hancock' - culture secretary launches own app |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42902684 |access-date=6 June 2023}} The app was eventually shut down at the beginning of 2023.{{cite news |title=Matt Hancock bids 'fond farewell' to his app after five years |work=BBC News |date=4 January 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-64162109 |access-date=5 January 2023}}
In May 2018, as Media Secretary, Hancock confirmed the highest stake on fixed odds betting terminals would be cut to £2, after Prime Minister May sided with him over the issue.{{cite web |title=Government to cut Fixed Odds Betting Terminals maximum stake from £100 to £2 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-cut-fixed-odds-betting-terminals-maximum-stake-from-100-to-2 |access-date=6 June 2023 |website=GOV.UK }}
=Secretary of State for Health and Social Care=
==May Ministry==
Following Jeremy Hunt's appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Hancock was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care for England on 9 July 2018.File:Matt Hancock talking to hospital staff.jpgIn November 2018, Hancock was criticised after appearing to endorse a mobile phone health app marketed by the subscription health service company Babylon in the Evening Standard. Babylon allegedly sponsored the newspaper article. The Labour MP Justin Madders wrote to Theresa May accusing Hancock of repeatedly endorsing the products of a company that receives NHS funds for patients it treats, which contravenes ministerial guidelines. The ministerial code includes that ministers should not "normally accept invitations to act as patrons of, or otherwise offer support to, pressure groups or organisations dependent in whole or in part on Government funding".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/30/matt-hancock-accused-of-breaching-code-over-gp-app-endorsement|title=Matt Hancock accused of breaching code over GP app endorsement|first=Rajeev|last=Syal|work=The Guardian|date=30 November 2018|access-date=30 November 2018|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201001352/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/30/matt-hancock-accused-of-breaching-code-over-gp-app-endorsement|url-status=live}}
In April 2019, Hancock, who had previously said the NHS would face "no privatisation on my watch", was criticised by Labour for allowing 21 NHS contracts worth £127 million to be tendered.{{cite news | last=Kentish | first=Benjamin | title=NHS offering £127m of contracts to private companies despite health secretary pledging: 'No privatisation on my watch' | work=The Independent | date=6 April 2019 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-privatisation-health-secretary-contracts-companies-matt-hancock-jon-ashworth-a8857021.html | access-date=6 April 2019 | archive-date=6 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406183635/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-privatisation-health-secretary-contracts-companies-matt-hancock-jon-ashworth-a8857021.html | url-status=live }}
==2019 Conservative Party leadership candidacy==
{{main|2019 Conservative Party leadership election}}
After Theresa May announced her intention to resign as prime minister on 24 May 2019, Hancock announced his intention to stand for the Conservative Party leadership. During this campaign, Hancock opposed the prorogation of Parliament to deliver Brexit and called on his fellow leadership candidates to join him on 6 June 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/29/mad-suggestion-how-tory-ministers-once-viewed-call-to-prorogue-parliament|title='Mad suggestion': how Tory ministers once viewed call to prorogue parliament|work=The Guardian|access-date=29 August 2019|date=29 August 2019|last=Rourke|first=Alison|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829062134/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/29/mad-suggestion-how-tory-ministers-once-viewed-call-to-prorogue-parliament|url-status=live}} He proposed a televised debate with other candidates.{{cite news |title=Hunt warns against no-deal Brexit 'suicide' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48428761 |access-date=28 May 2019 |work=BBC News |date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030939/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48428761 |url-status=live }} He withdrew from the race on 14 June shortly after winning only twenty votes on the first ballot.{{cite news |title=Tory leadership: Matt Hancock quits contest |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48631706 |access-date=14 June 2019 |work=BBC News |date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614144318/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48631706 |url-status=live }} Following his withdrawal, he endorsed Boris Johnson for the role.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/matt-hancock-boris-and-i-have-had-our-differences-but-he-s-the-one-to-unite-us-mzhqrbvnd|title=Matt Hancock: Boris and I have had our differences but he's the one to unite us|first=Matt|last=Hancock|date=16 June 2019|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=16 April 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519220040/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/matt-hancock-boris-and-i-have-had-our-differences-but-he-s-the-one-to-unite-us-mzhqrbvnd|url-status=live}}
==Early Johnson premiership==
File:Alex Azar and Matt Hancock.jpg in 2019|left]]Hancock continued in his role as Health Secretary in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's cabinet. He supported the prorogation of parliament in 2019 by Johnson which he had previously opposed while running for the Conservative leadership.{{cite news|title=Matt Hancock rows back from views on suspending parliament|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/31/matt-hancock-rows-back-from-views-on-suspending-parliament|work=The Guardian|author=Press Association|date=31 August 2019|access-date=10 September 2019|archive-date=11 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911141609/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/31/matt-hancock-rows-back-from-views-on-suspending-parliament|url-status=live}} On 24 September the Supreme Court ruled that the prorogation was unlawful.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49810261|title=Supreme Court: Suspending Parliament was unlawful, judges rule|work=BBC News|date=24 September 2019|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924095005/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49810261|url-status=live}}
In a September 2019 Channel 4 News interview, Hancock was asked to respond to allegations that at a private lunch in 1999, Johnson had groped the leg of journalist Charlotte Edwardes under a table. Edwardes also claimed that Johnson did the same to another woman at the same private lunch. In his reply to the Channel 4 News question, Hancock said of Charlotte Edwardes, "I know Charlotte well and I entirely trust what she has to say. I know her and I know her to be trustworthy", a view shared by fellow Conservative MP Amber Rudd. Both Johnson and anonymous Downing Street officials denied the allegation.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/29/no-10-denies-claims-boris-johnson-squeezed-thigh-journalist-charlotte-edwardes |title=No 10 denies claims Boris Johnson squeezed journalist's thigh |last1=Proctor |first1=Kate |date=29 September 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 September 2019 |last2=Stewart |first2=Heather |archive-date=29 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929191131/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/29/no-10-denies-claims-boris-johnson-squeezed-thigh-journalist-charlotte-edwardes |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49873301 |title=No 10 denies Johnson 'thigh squeeze' claim |date=29 September 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=29 September 2019 |archive-date=6 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206162201/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49873301 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/30/sajid-javid-backs-boris-johnson-on-groping-allegations |title=Boris Johnson denies groping allegation after backing from Javid |work=The Guardian |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |last2=Proctor |first2=Kate |last3=Stewart |first3=Heather |last4=Perraudin |first4=Frances |access-date=9 November 2019 |date=30 September 2019 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109191917/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/30/sajid-javid-backs-boris-johnson-on-groping-allegations |url-status=live }}
In October 2019, Hancock was lobbied by former Prime Minister David Cameron and financier Lex Greensill to introduce a payment scheme. Hancock was implicated in the Greensill scandal as the payment scheme was later rolled out within the NHS.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/economics/article/david-cameron-lobbied-no-10-and-hancock-for-greensill-nht3x2c5z|title=David Cameron lobbied No 10 and Hancock for Greensill|work=The Sunday Times|last1=Pogrund|first1=Gabriel|last2=Wheeler|first2=Caroline|date=10 April 2021|access-date=10 April 2021|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410172000/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/david-cameron-lobbied-no-10-and-hancock-for-greensill-nht3x2c5z|url-status=live}}
In November 2019, Hancock publicly apologised to Bethany, a teenager diagnosed with autism, for being kept in solitary confinement in various psychiatric facilities. Hancock apologised "for the things that have gone wrong in her care" and said her case in particular was "incredibly difficult and complex", calling Bethany's case "heart-rending" and saying that he had insisted on "a case review of every single person in those conditions."{{cite news|last=Magra|first=Iliana|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/10/world/europe/bethany-autism-matt-hancock.html|title=U.K. Minister Apologizes for Case of Teen With Autism Kept in Seclusion|date=10 November 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=16 April 2020|url-access=registration|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215070742/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/10/world/europe/bethany-autism-matt-hancock.html|url-status=live}}
=== COVID-19 pandemic ===
File:Official portrait of Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP.jpg
On 31 January 2020, COVID-19 was confirmed to have spread to the UK. Hancock said the Government was considering "some quite significant actions that would have social and economic disruption".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/01/matt-hancock-ministers-to-publish-coronavirus-battle-plan-for-uk|title=Matt Hancock: shutting down UK cities 'may become necessary'|work=The Guardian|last=Syal|first=Rajeev|date=1 March 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306120118/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/01/matt-hancock-ministers-to-publish-coronavirus-battle-plan-for-uk|url-status=live}} After the government gave strict social distancing advice which was defied by large numbers of people, Hancock took a stronger line than the prime minister on condemning those still socialising in groups and derided them as being "very selfish".{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Rowena |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/23/hancock-socialising-uk-slowing-coronavirus-effort |title=Hancock accuses those still socialising in UK of being 'very selfish' |date=23 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323104350/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/23/hancock-socialising-uk-slowing-coronavirus-effort |url-status=live }} The Government later implemented legislation banning such groups from forming.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52012432|title=Strict new curbs on life in UK announced by PM|date=24 March 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=12 April 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331180714/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52012432|url-status=live}}
On 27 March 2020, along with Boris Johnson, Hancock himself tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite news |title=Health Secretary Matt Hancock tests positive for coronavirus |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2020-03-27/health-secretary-matt-hancock-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/ |work=ITV News |date=27 March 2020 |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327140719/https://www.itv.com/news/2020-03-27/health-secretary-matt-hancock-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }} He stayed in self-isolation with mild symptoms for seven days, before delivering an update on COVID-19 testing targets and on Government plans to write off £13.4 billion of NHS debt.{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Rowena |title=Boris Johnson still has Covid-19 symptoms and may stay in isolation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/02/boris-johnson-shows-covid-19-symptoms-still-and-may-stay-in-isolation |date=2 April 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402223408/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/02/boris-johnson-shows-covid-19-symptoms-still-and-may-stay-in-isolation |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Elliott|first1=Francis|last2=Lay|first2=Kat|date=3 April 2020|title=Matt Hancock wipes £13bn of NHS debt to bolster hospitals|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/matt-hancock-wipes-13-billion-of-nhs-debt-to-bolster-hospitals-6knpxx2rc|work=The Times|access-date=16 April 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414145256/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/matt-hancock-wipes-13-billion-of-nhs-debt-to-bolster-hospitals-6knpxx2rc|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Buchan|first=Lizzie|date=2 April 2020|title=Government to write off £13.4bn in historic NHS debt amid coronavirus crisis|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-nhs-debt-matt-hancock-press-conference-briefing-a9443926.html|work=The Independent|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=18 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418152508/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-nhs-debt-matt-hancock-press-conference-briefing-a9443926.html|url-status=live}}
In April 2020, Hancock was criticised when it emerged that the target he had set for 100,000 daily COVID-19 tests had been met only by changing the method of counting, to include up to 40,000 home test kits which had been sent, but not yet completed.{{cite news|last=Carding|first=Nick|title=Government counts mailouts to hit 100,000 testing target|url=https://www.hsj.co.uk/quality-and-performance/government-counts-mailouts-to-hit-100000-testing-target/7027544.article|work=HSJ|access-date=14 May 2020|date=1 May 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308211036/https://www.hsj.co.uk/quality-and-performance/government-counts-mailouts-to-hit-100000-testing-target/7027544.article|url-status=live}} This change was challenged by the UK Statistics Authority{{cite news|last=Illman|first=Nick|title=Hancock challenged over covid testing numbers by stats watchdog|url=https://www.hsj.co.uk/free-for-non-subscribers/hancock-challenged-over-covid-testing-numbers-by-stats-watchdog/7027620.article|work=HSJ|access-date=14 May 2020|date=11 May 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308125948/https://www.hsj.co.uk/free-for-non-subscribers/hancock-challenged-over-covid-testing-numbers-by-stats-watchdog/7027620.article|url-status=live}} and labelled a "Potemkin testing regime".{{cite news|last=Chakrabortty|first=Aditya|title=Right now, the only thing staving off a collapse in the social order is the state|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/13/state-collapse-social-order-coronavirus-britain|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 May 2020|date=13 May 2020|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513223028/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/13/state-collapse-social-order-coronavirus-britain|url-status=live}}
Doctors' groups maintained that they helped deliver 45,000 masks to hospitals that did not have a sufficient supply at the beginning of the pandemic and that families of healthcare workers who died from COVID-19 had expressed concerns about the protection they got. Early in the pandemic NHS staff were photographed with poorly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) and some made improvised gowns for themselves from bin bags. Doctors and MPs criticised Hancock for denying there was a problem.{{cite news |last=Marsh |first=Sarah |date=23 February 2021 |title=Hancock criticised for claim there was never a national PPE shortage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/23/hancock-criticised-for-claim-there-was-no-national-covid-ppe-shortage |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}
On 5 April 2020, Hancock warned that all outdoor exercise in England could be banned in response to COVID-19 if people did not follow social distancing rules. He said: "So my message is really clear. If you don't want us to have to take the step to ban exercise of all forms outside of your own home then you've got to follow the rules and the vast majority of people are following the rules."{{cite news|first=Ashley|last=Cowburn|title=Coronavirus: Outdoor exercise could be banned if Britons continue to flout lockdown rules, government warns|work=The Independent|access-date=28 May 2020|date=5 April 2020|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-lockdown-break-rules-exercise-ban-a9447896.html|archive-date=11 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611183925/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-lockdown-break-rules-exercise-ban-a9447896.html|url-status=live}}
Hancock received criticism from journalists for perceived sexism after suggesting on 5 May 2020 that Labour MP and shadow health minister Rosena Allin-Khan change the "tone" of her comments.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/politics/would-matt-hancock-have-told-male-mp-watch-tone-dont-think/|title=Would Matt Hancock have told a male MP to watch his tone? I don't think so|last=Cohen|first=Claire|date=5 May 2020|work=The Telegraph|access-date=24 July 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724140036/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/politics/would-matt-hancock-have-told-male-mp-watch-tone-dont-think/|url-status=live}} Allin-Khan, a doctor, had stated in Parliament that a lack of testing was costing lives and Hancock suggested she should "take a leaf out of the Shadow Secretary of State's
On 15 August 2020, The Daily Telegraph reported that Hancock was to merge Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace into a new body called the National Institute for Health Protection, modelled on the Robert Koch Institute. The new body, renamed as the UK Health Security Agency, was set up before autumn amid "a feared surge in coronavirus cases".{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/08/15/hancock-axes-failing-public-health-england/|title=Hancock axes 'failing' Public Health England|work=The Telegraph|last=Hope|first=Christopher|date=15 August 2020|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-date=15 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815223218/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/08/15/hancock-axes-failing-public-health-england/|url-status=live}}
On 11 October 2020, Hancock denied breaching a 10 pm drinking curfew in the Smoking Room bar in the House of Commons, put in place because of the pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Gillespie |first1=Tim |title=Coronavirus: Matt Hancock denies breaching 10pm drinking curfew in Commons bar |url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-matt-hancock-denies-breaching-10pm-drinking-curfew-in-commons-bar-12101358 |access-date=18 October 2020 |work=Sky News |date=11 October 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020233253/https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-matt-hancock-denies-breaching-10pm-drinking-curfew-in-commons-bar-12101358 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Lizzie |title=Matt Hancock denies breaking 10pm drinking curfew in parliamentary bar |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/10/11/matt-hancock-denies-breaking-10pm-drinking-curfew-parliamentary/ |access-date=18 October 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=11 October 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018042344/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/10/11/matt-hancock-denies-breaking-10pm-drinking-curfew-parliamentary/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Grafton-Green |first1=Patrick |title=Matt Hancock denies breaking 10pm drinking curfew in Commons bar |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/matt-hancock-10pm-drinking-curfew-commons-bar-a4568131.html |access-date=18 October 2020 |work=Evening Standard |date=11 October 2020 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021073722/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/matt-hancock-10pm-drinking-curfew-commons-bar-a4568131.html |url-status=live }} Eight days later, the Daily Mirror published a photograph of him riding in his chauffeur-driven car without wearing a mask.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54605222|title=Matt Hancock seen in chauffeur-driven car without mask|work=BBC News|date=19 October 2020|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019215605/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54605222|url-status=live}}
On 2 December 2020, Hancock incorrectly claimed that the MHRA's fast approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine was possible because of Brexit. The MHRA stated that it had followed an expeditious procedure allowed under EU legislation which was still in force in the UK during the transition period.{{cite news|date=2 December 2020|last=Woodcock|first=Andrew|title=Regulator rejects Matt Hancock's claim that UK got Covid vaccine first because of Brexit|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-vaccine-matt-hancock-mhra-brexit-b1765005.html|access-date=3 December 2020|website=The Independent|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202205440/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-vaccine-matt-hancock-mhra-brexit-b1765005.html|url-status=live}}File:Xavier Becerra and Matt Hancock at 2021 G7 Health Ministers summit.jpg at G7 Health ministers' meeting, 2021]]In January 2021, shopping vouchers for families in need were reintroduced.{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/piers-morgan-matt-hancock-free-school-meals-good-morning-britain-interview_uk_5ffec043c5b66f3f796291f2|title=Matt Hancock Left Squirming After Piers Morgan Challenges Him On Free School Meals Debacle|last=Percival|first=Ash|date=13 January 2021|work=HuffPost|access-date=20 February 2021|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108123702/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/piers-morgan-matt-hancock-free-school-meals-good-morning-britain-interview_uk_5ffec043c5b66f3f796291f2|url-status=live}} On Good Morning Britain, Hancock praised the Government for reintroducing the scheme, despite being repeatedly reminded by Piers Morgan that he had opposed it in Parliament.{{cite news|last=Duke|first=Simon|date=13 January 2021|title=Piers Morgan fumes at Matt Hancock over school meals "disgrace"|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/piers-morgan-hancock-school-meals-19615202|access-date=20 February 2021|website=ChronicleLive|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128064814/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/piers-morgan-hancock-school-meals-19615202|url-status=live}}
On 19 February 2021, after a legal challenge by the Good Law Project, a High Court judge ruled that Hancock had acted unlawfully by handing out PPE contracts without publishing details in a timely manner. A ruling released by the High Court stated: "There is now no dispute that, in a substantial number of cases, the secretary of state breached his legal obligation to publish Contract Award Notices (CANs) within 30 days of the award of contracts." The details were published within 47 days.{{cite news|last=Woodcock|first=Andrew|date=19 February 2021|title=Matt Hancock acted unlawfully over Covid contract details, High Court judge rules|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-covid-contract-ruling-b1804667.html|access-date=20 February 2021|website=The Independent|archive-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219182049/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-covid-contract-ruling-b1804667.html|url-status=live}}
In April 2021, it was reported that Hancock had been given 20% of shares in Topwood Limited, a firm based in Wrexham which is owned by his sister and other close family members.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hancock-topwood-shares-contract-nhs-b1832263.html|title=Matt Hancock received shares in family firm that won lucrative NHS contract|date=16 April 2021|last=Woodcock|first=Andrew|work=The Independent|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607030935/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hancock-topwood-shares-contract-nhs-b1832263.html|url-status=live}} The company specialises in secure storage, scanning and shredding of documents. It won a place on a "procurement framework" listing to provide services to NHS England in 2019, as well as contracts with NHS Wales. There has been no suggestion that Hancock intervened in the normal processes, and in April 2021, the company had not earned anything through the framework.{{cite news |title=Sparks ignite Topwood |url=https://www.hsj.co.uk/daily-insight/daily-insight-sparks-ignite-topwood/7029911.article |access-date=5 June 2021 |publisher=Health Service Journal |date=16 April 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605175719/https://www.hsj.co.uk/daily-insight/daily-insight-sparks-ignite-topwood/7029911.article |url-status=live }} Lord Geidt later produced a report on ministerial interests saying that the awarding of the contract to Topwood could be seen to "represent a conflict of interest" that should have been declared. Hancock responded by saying: "I did not know about the framework decision, and so I do not think I could reasonably have been expected to declare it."{{cite news |title=Hancock's failure to declare family firm's NHS work a 'minor breach' of rules |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/health-secretary-nhs-prime-minister-priti-patel-boris-johnson-b937857.html |access-date=5 June 2021 |work=Evening Standard |last=Daly |first=Patrick |date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605175720/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/health-secretary-nhs-prime-minister-priti-patel-boris-johnson-b937857.html |url-status=live }}
In May 2021, the former Downing Street chief adviser Dominic Cummings claimed, "tens of thousands of people died who didn't need to die" during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic due to what he claimed to be "criminal, disgraceful behaviour" within Downing Street under the supervision of Hancock.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-57253578|title=Dominic Cummings: Thousands died needlessly after Covid mistakes|work=BBC News|date=26 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527065225/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-57253578|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-57263180|title=Dominic Cummings' accusations can not easily be dismissed|first=Laura|last=Kuenssberg|work=BBC News|date=26 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527102419/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-57263180|url-status=live}} Cummings also said that Hancock should have been fired as Health Secretary for "15 to 20" different things.{{cite news |last=Allegretti |first=Aubrey |title=Matt Hancock should have been sacked for lying, says Dominic Cummings |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/26/matt-hancock-should-be-sacked-for-lying-says-dominic-cummings |access-date=27 May 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527030041/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/26/matt-hancock-should-be-sacked-for-lying-says-dominic-cummings |url-status=live }} Following his testimony, YouGov noted that more people in the general public thought Hancock should resign than stay in his post, despite questions over the accuracy of Cummings's statements.{{cite web |title=Dominic Cummings: What do Britons make of his accusations against the government? |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2021/05/27/dominic-cummings-britons-think-accusations-covid |website=yougov.co.uk |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527161231/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2021/05/27/dominic-cummings-britons-think-accusations-covid |url-status=live }} Prime Minister Johnson defended Hancock and his decision-making.{{cite news |last=Swinford |first=Steven |title=Boris Johnson backs Matt Hancock after claims he lied |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/boris-johnson-backs-matt-hancock-after-dominic-cummings-s-claims-that-he-lied-0tvk7jj88 |access-date=27 May 2021 |work=The Times |url-access=subscription |date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108123706/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-johnson-backs-matt-hancock-after-dominic-cummings-s-claims-that-he-lied-0tvk7jj88 |url-status=live }}
Over 20,000 care home residents who were elderly or disabled had died from COVID-19 in England and Wales. The High Court of Justice ruled in a case against Boris Johnson's government on 27 April 2022 that discharging people into care homes without testing them was unlawful. Lord Justice Bean and Neil Garnham ruled that the policies were not lawful since they disregarded the risk from non-symptomatic transmission of COVID-19 to elderly and vulnerable residents. The judges stated that in spite of "growing awareness" about the risk of asymptomatic transmission during March 2020, there was no evidence Hancock had taken the risk to care home residents into account. The judges stated: "The document could, for example, have said that where an asymptomatic patient (...) is admitted to a care home, he or she should, so far as practicable, be kept apart from other residents for up to 14 days. (...) there is no evidence that this question was considered by the Secretary of State."{{cite news |date=27 April 2022 |title=Discharging Covid patients to care homes was unlawful, High Court rules |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/covid-government-unlawful-care-homes-b2066462.html |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=The Independent }}{{cite web |title=Care home discharges during Covid ruled 'unlawful' {{!}} Disability Rights UK |url=https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2022/may/care-home-discharges-during-covid-ruled-%E2%80%98unlawful%E2%80%99 |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=www.disabilityrightsuk.org}}
=== Resignation ===
On 25 June 2021, it was revealed that Hancock had breached COVID-19 social distancing restrictions with Gina Coladangelo, an adviser in the DHSC with whom he was having an extramarital affair, after CCTV images of him kissing and embracing her in his Whitehall office on 6 May were published in The Sun newspaper.{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=25 June 2021|title=Matt Hancock apologises after photos show him kissing aide|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/25/matt-hancock-gina-coladangelo-grant-shapps-health-job|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625093813/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/25/matt-hancock-gina-coladangelo-grant-shapps-health-job|url-status=live}} The Government's guidelines allowed intimate contact with people from a different household only from 17 May. The previous year, Hancock had failed to declare he had appointed Coladangelo as an unpaid adviser at the department and later to a paid non-executive director role on its board, for which Coladangelo would earn between £15,000 and £20,000 annually from public funds.{{cite news|last=Pogrund|first=Gabriel|date=22 November 2020|title=Matt Hancock gave key Covid role to lobbyist pal|work=The Sunday Times|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/matt-hancock-gave-key-covid-role-to-lobbyist-pal-tppg75t5c|quote=There is no public record of the appointment, which will see her earn at least £15,000 of taxpayers' money and could rise by a further £5,000.|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625090742/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/matt-hancock-gave-key-covid-role-to-lobbyist-pal-tppg75t5c|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Mercer|first=David|date=25 June 2021|title=Who is Gina Coladangelo? The PR chief at centre of Matt Hancock 'affair' scandal|work=Sky News|url=https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-gina-coladangelo-the-pr-chief-at-centre-of-matt-hancock-affair-scandal-12341866|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625222008/https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-gina-coladangelo-the-pr-chief-at-centre-of-matt-hancock-affair-scandal-12341866|url-status=live}} Coladangelo became a close friend of Hancock after meeting him while they were both undergraduates at Oxford University.{{cite news|date=25 June 2021|title=Who is Gina Coladangelo? The taxpayer-funded adviser Matt Hancock is accused of having an affair with|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-affair-gina-coladangelo-b1872560.html|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625075551/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-affair-gina-coladangelo-b1872560.html|url-status=live}}
Later that day on 25 June, Hancock said that he had "breached the social distancing guidelines in these circumstances" and apologised for "letting people down".{{cite news|last=Fuller|first=Phoebe|date=25 June 2021|title=Matt Hancock issues apology and says he 'let people down' with kiss|website=YorkshireLive|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/matt-hancock-issues-apology-statement-20901413|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625121805/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/matt-hancock-issues-apology-statement-20901413|url-status=live}} Boris Johnson later said that he accepted the apology and considered the matter "closed".{{cite news |title=Matt Hancock resignation: Boris Johnson defends his actions |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57641097 |access-date=29 June 2021 |work=BBC News |date=28 June 2021 |archive-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629081138/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57641097 |url-status=live }} However, Hancock resigned on the evening of 26 June, stating "those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them", and he had not because of his "breaking the guidance".{{cite news |last1=McTaggart |first1=India |last2=Somerville |first2=Ewan |date=26 June 2021 |title=Politics latest news: Matt Hancock quits as Health Secretary |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/06/26/politics-latest-news-hancock-aide-week-reports-say/ |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626172911/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/06/26/politics-latest-news-hancock-aide-week-reports-say/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|date=26 June 2021|title=Matt Hancock quits as health secretary after breaking social distance guidance|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57625508|access-date=26 June 2021|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628024402/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57625508|url-status=live}} He was replaced as Health Secretary the same day by Sajid Javid.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/pm-appoints-former-chancellor-sajid-javid-as-new-health-secretary-12342685|title=PM appoints former chancellor Sajid Javid as new health secretary|work=Sky News|access-date=26 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626185918/https://news.sky.com/story/pm-appoints-former-chancellor-sajid-javid-as-new-health-secretary-12342685|url-status=live}}
Former Cabinet ministers Alan Johnson and Rory Stewart both said there had never been cameras in their offices during their time in Government, with Johnson saying: "I could never understand why there was a camera in the Secretary of State's office. There was never a camera in my office when I was Health Secretary or in any of the other five Cabinet positions."{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Daniel |date=27 June 2021 |title=Matt Hancock 'had no idea' there was a CCTV camera in his office |work=Wales Online |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/matt-hancock-had-no-idea-20912752 |url-status=live |access-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627153039/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/matt-hancock-had-no-idea-20912752 |archive-date=27 June 2021}} It was reported that the CCTV footage was leaked by a DHSC employee who opposed the Government's lockdown restrictions, and on 27 June it was confirmed that an internal investigation was undertaken by the department to find the culprit, for fear of future CCTV footage being leaked to states hostile to the UK, for the purposes of blackmail.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Denis |title=Government to investigate leak of Matt Hancock CCTV footage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/27/government-investigate-leak-matt-hancock-footage |access-date=28 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=27 June 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627213937/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/27/government-investigate-leak-matt-hancock-footage |url-status=live }}
News of the scandal was met with a mixture of public anger and ridicule.{{cite news|url=https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/newmarket-constituents-react-matt-hancock-20912342|title=Politicians and constituents react to Matt Hancock's resignation|last=Lamb|first=Lottie|date=27 June 2021|work=CambridgeshireLive|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703030522/https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/newmarket-constituents-react-matt-hancock-20912342|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-news/gina-coladangelo-matt-hancock-kiss-memes/|title=The Best Matt Hancock And Gina Coladangelo Memes|last=Evans|first=Rhiannon|date=28 June 2021|work=Grazia|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701080756/https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-news/gina-coladangelo-matt-hancock-kiss-memes|url-status=live}} The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group warned that Hancock's actions could undermine adherence to COVID-19 restrictions, similar to the Dominic Cummings scandal.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57619721|title=Matt Hancock kiss: Covid families warn it could undermine efforts against virus|last=Snowden|first=Kathryn|date=26 June 2021|work=BBC News|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702201306/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57619721|url-status=live}} Amanda Milling, Co-chairman of the Conservative Party, suggested that Hancock's affair was a factor in the Conservative Party's failure to win the Batley and Spen by-election on 1 July 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/amanda-milling-matt-hancock-scandal-batley-byelection-labour-win|title=Senior Tory Admits Matt Hancock Scandal Might Have Cost Them Batley By-Election|last1=Tolhurst|first1=Alain|last2=Payne|first2=Adam|date=2 July 2021|work=The House|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702082837/https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/amanda-milling-matt-hancock-scandal-batley-byelection-labour-win|url-status=live}}
In July 2021, the Information Commissioner's Office established an inquiry into the leak in the CCTV images.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-57853164|title=Homes raided in inquiry into Matt Hancock CCTV leak|work=BBC News|date=15 July 2021|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716162315/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-57853164|url-status=live}} On 29 July, the council of the second largest town in his constituency, Newmarket, passed a no-confidence vote against Hancock as its MP.{{cite news|date=29 July 2021|title=Councillors pass vote of no confidence in local MP Matt Hancock|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-no-confidence-newmarket-b1892560.html|access-date=30 July 2021|website=The Independent|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730045946/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-no-confidence-newmarket-b1892560.html|url-status=live}} Mayor Michael Jefferys cast the necessary vote to pass the motion.{{cite news|date=28 July 2021|title=Matt Hancock: Newmarket Town Council passes no-confidence vote|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-57989509|access-date=30 July 2021|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729210851/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-57989509|url-status=live}}
According to the Independent, Hancock faced severe criticism due to a shortage of PPE in the NHS early in the pandemic, the award of contracts for supplying masks and the decision to transfer elderly patients to care homes without COVID-19 testing. Hancock defended his handling of the pandemic and stated: "We suddenly needed masses more PPE and so did everybody else in the world."
= Return to the backbenches =
On 12 October 2021, Hancock announced his appointment as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa special representative for financial innovation and climate change,{{cite news |title=Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock given United Nations role |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58890485 |access-date=12 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=12 October 2021 |archive-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012182510/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58890485 |url-status=live }} an unpaid position advising the Commission on the African economy's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Nanu |first1=Maighna |title=Matt Hancock appointed as United Nations special representative for Africa |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/10/12/matt-hancock-appointed-united-nations-special-representative/ |access-date=12 October 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=12 October 2021 |archive-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012195355/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/10/12/matt-hancock-appointed-united-nations-special-representative/ |url-status=live }} Four days later, the United Nations announced on 16 October that the offer had been rescinded.{{cite news |last=Tapper |first=James |date=16 October 2021 |title=United Nations withdraws Matt Hancock job offer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/oct/16/united-nations-withdraws-matt-hancock-job-offer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016123719/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/oct/16/united-nations-withdraws-matt-hancock-job-offer |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=16 October 2021 |work=The Guardian}}{{cite news |title=Matt Hancock's United Nations role withdrawn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58940128 |access-date=16 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=16 October 2021 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016121747/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58940128 |url-status=live }}
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hancock welcomed seven Ukrainian refugees into his family home in Suffolk in May 2022 through the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme.{{cite news |last=Penna |first=Dominic |date=5 May 2022 |title=Matt Hancock opens his home to seven Ukrainian refugees ... and their four dogs |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/05/05/matt-hancock-opens-home-seven-ukrainian-refugees/}}{{cite news |date=15 March 2022 |title=Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock signs up to Homes for Ukraine refugee scheme |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2022-03-15/we-must-stand-with-ukraine-ex-health-secretary-hancock-to-house-refugees |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315120024/https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2022-03-15/we-must-stand-with-ukraine-ex-health-secretary-hancock-to-house-refugees |archive-date=15 March 2022}}
In December 2022, he announced that he would not seek re-election at the next general election (which was later held in July 2024.{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Emily |title=Matt Hancock to quit as MP before next election and will instead 'explore new ways to communicate with people' |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/matt-hancock-quits-mp-next-election-resignation-letter-2014490?ico=in-line_link |access-date=7 December 2022 |work=i news |date=7 December 2022}}
In June 2023, Hancock was told to apologise to Parliament after being found to have breached the MPs Code of Conduct, by committing a “minor breach” of Commons rules by sending an unsolicited letter to the parliamentary standards commissioner in an attempt to influence the commissioner's investigation into fellow Conservative MP Steve Brine.{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-parliament-rules-mp-b2351591.html | title=Matt Hancock told to apologise to MPS | website=Independent.co.uk | date=5 June 2023 }}
= ''Pandemic Diaries'' =
{{main|Pandemic Diaries}}
In April 2022, it was announced that Hancock would publish his diaries during the COVID-19 pandemic called Pandemic Diaries with Biteback Publishing, cowritten by Isabel Oakeshott.{{cite web |last=Hinsliff |first=Gaby |date=13 December 2022 |title=Pandemic Diaries by Matt Hancock review – rewriting history |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/dec/13/pandemic-diaries-by-matt-hancock-review-rewriting-history |access-date=14 December 2022 |website=The Guardian }} The royalties were planned to be donated to NHS charities.{{cite news |date=1 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock's book, Pandemic Diaries, release date revealed |work=Suffolk News |url=https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds/news/matt-hancocks-book-pandemic-diaries-release-date-revealed-9281879/ |access-date=12 November 2022}}{{cite news |last=Comerford |first=Ruth |date=21 April 2022 |title=Biteback signs Matt Hancock's pandemic diaries |publisher=The Bookseller |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/biteback-signs-matt-hancocks-pandemic-diaries |access-date=12 November 2022}} The book was to be released in December 2022.
The book was not based on a diary, but was written after the fact. It was based on Hancock's recollections, as well his records of communications. It dismissed allegations that moving patients into care homes caused deaths, arguing that the staff in care homes were the vector of disease. The book was also critical of Dominic Cummings.{{cite news |last=Aaronovitch |first=David |title=Pandemic Diaries by Matt Hancock review — confessions of a self-styled genius |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/pandemic-diaries-the-inside-story-of-britains-battle-against-covid-by-matt-hancock-review-psvl8cg8k |access-date=14 December 2022 |issn=0140-0460}}
Reviews commented that the book presented too positive an image, making Hancock seem unduly prescient with the benefit of hindsight, arguing there may be elements of revisionism.{{cite web |last=Cunliffe |first=Rachel |date=6 December 2022 |title=Matt Hancock's Pandemic Diaries are a delusional piece of self-aggrandising fan fiction |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2022/12/matt-hancock-pandemic-diaries |access-date=14 December 2022 |website=New Statesman }}
Gaby Hinsliff reviewing in The Guardian said that there were kernels of truth about how politicians make decisions in the account but comments on how the book was written with the benefit of hindsight, allowing Hancock to make himself seem prescient. Rod Dacombe writing in the i, said that the diary was absurd and devoid of literary flair.{{cite web |last=Dacombe |first=Rod |date=7 December 2022 |title=Matt Hancock tries to play the hero in his Pandemic Diaries. It's painful |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/matt-hancock-play-hero-pandemic-diaries-painful-2013850 |access-date=14 December 2022 |website=inews.co.uk }} Adam Wagner, writing in Prospect magazine, said that the book had a focus on score settling and self-aggrandisation but that there were some genuine revelations. He noted that more will be known when the UK Covid-19 Inquiry reports.{{cite news |last=Wagner |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Wagner |title=Hancock the hero |work=Prospect Magazine |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/matt-hancock-the-hero-pandemic-diaries-review}} Wagner argues Hancock's removal of exceptions for protest from proposed lockdown regulations on the grounds that protests could undermine public trust in measures and his criticism of protestors in the book are suggestive that protests were banned based on the political views of protestors, which Wagner thinks would likely constitute government overreach.
Oakeshott leaked some of the private WhatsApp messages she had access to in a Daily Telegraph article published in February 2023. The Telegraph published a series of articles about these leaks in a series called The Lockdown Files.{{cite news |title=The Lockdown Files: Matt Hancock rejected expert advice on care home testing, WhatsApp messages reveal |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/02/28/lockdown-files-matt-hancock-whatsapp-whitty-care-homes-covid/ |work=Daily Telegraph |date=28 February 2023}} One message from April 2020 suggests Hancock told aides that professor Chris Whitty had done "an "evidence review" and recommended "testing of all going into care homes, and segregation whilst awaiting result". Hancock allegedly stated this was a "good positive step". Later, Hancock allegedly stated he would rather avoid a commitment to test all people going into care homes from the community and "just commit to test & isolate ALL going into care from hospital".{{cite news |date=2023-03-01 |title=Matt Hancock disputes claim he rejected care home Covid advice |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-64807127 |access-date=2024-03-08 |work=BBC News }} A spokesman for Hancock said, "These stolen messages have been doctored to create a false story that Matt rejected clinical advice on care home testing".{{cite news |last=Gregory |first=Andrew |date=1 March 2023 |title=Matt Hancock: what do the leaked WhatsApp messages reveal? |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/mar/01/matt-hancock-what-do-leaked-whatsapp-messages-reveal-covid}}
=''Bridgen v Hancock'' libel case=
In January 2023, Andrew Bridgen MP claimed a tweet by Hancock defamed him by labeling his vaccine criticism as antisemitic.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64414637 |title=Andrew Bridgen threatens to sue Matt Hancock in Covid vaccine row |work=BBC News |date=26 January 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/26/andrew-bridgen-to-sue-matt-hancock-over-criticism-of-covid-vaccine-remarks |title=Andrew Bridgen to sue Matt Hancock over criticism of Covid vaccine remarks |work=The Guardian |date=26 January 2023 |first=Aletha |last=Adu}} The High Court partially struck out Bridgen's case in March 2024 and ordered him to pay £40,000 in costs to Hancock.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4njw4gr85zo |title=Matt Hancock loses bid to throw out libel claim |work=BBC News |date=20 March 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/28/andrew-bridgen-must-pay-matt-hancock-legal-fees-of-40000-in-libel-claim |title=Andrew Bridgen must pay Matt Hancock legal fees of £40,000 in libel claim |work=The Guardian |date=28 March 2024 |first=Nadeem |last=Badshah}} In June, Justice Collins Rice ruled Hancock's tweet was an expression of opinion, not fact, but Bridgen could amend his claim.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/andrew-bridgen-justice-matt-hancock-hancock-high-court-b2567949.html |title=Hancock post about unnamed MP 'expression of opinion', High Court rules |work=The Independent |date=24 June 2024 |first=Callum |last=Parke}} The case remains ongoing as of December 2024.
Appearance on ''I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!''
Hancock was a contestant on the 22nd series of the reality television series I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, filmed while Parliament was in session. An agreement was reached with the show's producers that Hancock could communicate with his constituency team throughout his time in the jungle if necessary. Explaining his decision to participate in the show, Hancock said, "I want to raise the profile of my dyslexia campaign to help every dyslexic child unleash their potential — even if it means taking an unusual route to get there, via the Australian jungle"!{{cite news |last=O'Grady |first=Sean |date=7 November 2022 |title=Is Matt Hancock being naive or manipulative? Cast your votes now |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/matt-hancock-im-a-celebrity-itv-b2219325.html |access-date=8 November 2022 |website=The Independent }} Hancock also explained that he was driven by the intention to display his "human side" and to use reality TV as a means to convey "important messages to the masses".{{cite news |date=2 November 2022 |title='Some may think I've lost my marbles': Matt Hancock defends decision to appear on I'm a Celebrity |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/nov/02/matt-hancock-defends-decision-to-appear-on-im-a-celebrity |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=The Guardian }} It was reported that Hancock would be paid £400,000, which was "one of the largest show fees" paid to a contestant. His spokesman said that a donation would be made to St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk and causes supporting dyslexia.{{cite news |last=Perry |first=Keith |date=3 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock 'to be paid £400,000' for I'm a Celebrity |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/matt-hancock-to-be-paid-400-000-for-im-a-celebrity-sr0bj8fmt}}{{subscription required}}
Hancock joined the show on 9 November 2022 with comedian Seann Walsh.{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2022-11-09/hancock-screeches-as-he-crawls-through-mud-and-bugs-in-im-a-celeb-trial-debut|work=ITV News|title=Matt Hancock enters the jungle, and his fellow I'm a Celebrities are unimpressed|date=9 November 2022}} After he entered the jungle camp, Hancock was questioned by his fellow contestants, including Charlene White, Chris Moyles and Babatunde Aléshé, about his time as Health Secretary.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63591640|title=I'm A Celebrity: Matt Hancock told breaking Covid rules was 'slap in face'|access-date=17 November 2022|date=11 November 2022|work=BBC News}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63604403|title=I'm A Celebrity: Matt Hancock asks for forgiveness|date=11 November 2022|work=BBC News}} Although he expressed remorse about breaking social distancing guidelines, he pointed out that he had not broken any laws and said that he did not regret the political decisions he made during the pandemic.{{cite news |last=Woodcock |first=Andrew |date=13 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock says he has no regrets over handling of Covid pandemic |work=Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-covid-im-a-celebrity-b2223675.html |access-date=18 November 2022}}
On the episode aired on 16 November 2022, Hancock said that he told Boris Johnson not to run for prime minister again during the October 2022 Conservative Party leadership election, and said that former prime minister Liz Truss's political career is "totally finished" with "no ambiguity at all."{{cite news |title=Matt Hancock reveals he told Boris Johnson not to run for PM again and claims Liz Truss's career is 'over' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock-reveals-he-told-boris-johnson-not-to-run-for-pm-again-and-claims-liz-trusss-career-is-over-12748564 |access-date=19 November 2022 |work=Sky News }}
On 27 November 2022, Hancock reached the final of the show, eventually finishing in third place.{{cite news |date=27 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock: MP finishes third on I'm A Celebrity |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63634455 |access-date=27 November 2022}}{{cite web |title=Matt Hancock finishes third in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! as Jill Scott is crowned queen |url=https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock-finishes-third-in-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-12756886 |access-date=27 November 2022 |website=Sky News }}
= Reaction =
== Within the show ==
Hancock's participation in the show was met with a mixed reaction by some of the other contestants. In the episode aired on 18 November 2022, fellow contestant Boy George said in a conversation with Seann Walsh that he found Hancock "slimy and slippery", and later told Hancock that he found it difficult to "separate" the politician from the person.{{cite web |title=Boy George tells Matt Hancock he has been 'hating on him' in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! |url=https://news.sky.com/story/boy-george-tells-matt-hancock-he-has-been-hating-on-him-in-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-12750701 |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=Sky News }} Another contestant, journalist Charlene White, said she feared she would lose her job if she was too sympathetic towards Hancock.{{cite web |last1=Jefferies |first1=Mark |last2=McStay |first2=Kirsten |date=19 November 2022 |title=Charlene White says Matt Hancock ruined jungle for her as she feared losing job |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/im-celebs-charlene-white-says-28536540 |access-date=20 November 2022 |website=Daily Record }}
== By others ==
In response to participating in the show, the Conservative Party suspended the whip for Hancock—in effect removing him from their parliamentary group but retaining him as a party member.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Faye |date=1 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock has whip suspended after agreeing to join 'I'm A Celebrity' as contestant |work=Sky News |url=https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock-to-join-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-as-contestant-12735587 |access-date=1 November 2022}}{{cite news |date=1 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock loses Tory whip after agreeing to appear on I'm a Celebrity |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/nov/01/matt-hancock-loses-tory-whip-after-agreeing-to-appear-on-im-a-celebrity |access-date=1 November 2022}}
On 5 November, it was reported that an online petition to stop Hancock from appearing on the show had attracted nearly 40,000 signatures.{{cite news |last1=Hunter |first1=Debra |last2=Rutherford |first2=Cameron |date=5 November 2022 |title=Petition to stop Matt Hancock from I'm A Celeb stint reaches 40k signatures |work=Hertfordshire Mercury |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/petition-stop-matt-hancock-appearing-7787664}} The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice and 38 Degrees groups flew a banner over the camp which read: "Covid bereaved say get out of here!".{{cite news |title=Matt Hancock: Covid campaigners fly banner over I'm A Celebrity jungle |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63634006 |access-date=15 November 2022 |work=BBC News |date=15 November 2022}}{{cite news |date=10 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock: Why is ex-health secretary a controversial figure? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-63583833 |access-date=19 November 2022}}
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who had worked with Hancock during his tenure as chancellor, said he was "disappointed" at Hancock's decision to participate in a reality television show and expressed his discomfort at the level of degradation Hancock was subjecting himself to.{{cite news |date=15 November 2022 |title=Rishi Sunak dismisses Matt Hancock's I'm a Celebrity justification |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/nov/15/rishi-sunak-dismisses-matt-hancocks-im-a-celebrity-justification |access-date=16 November 2022 |work=The Guardian }}{{cite web |date=15 November 2022 |title=Rishi Sunak 'disappointed' at Matt Hancock's reality TV stint, says politics should be 'noble' |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/matt-hancock-tv-reality-show-rishi-sunak-disappointed/ |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=POLITICO }}
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone stated her office had received "dozens of complaints" about Hancock being on the television show. Stone said that Hancock's decision to join the show raised "important questions about members' proper activities while they're supposed to be fulfilling their parliamentary duties and representing their constituents".{{cite news |date=15 November 2022 |title=Parliament watchdog had dozens of complaints on Hancock's I'm a Celeb appearance |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/kathryn-stone-matt-hancock-mps-hancock-charles-walker-b2225725.html |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=The Independent }} Ofcom received just under 2,000 complaints about the show in its first week, including complaints over his appearance on the show and complaints criticising how Hancock was treated by other contestants.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63649195|title=I'm A Celeb: Matt Hancock in jungle prompts 1,100 Ofcom complaints|work=BBC News}}
Hancock broke government rules about post-ministerial jobs by not consulting the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments before he joined the show, according to Lord Pickles, the committee chair. However, Lord Pickles advised ministers that taking action against Hancock would be disproportionate.{{cite news |date=23 November 2022 |title=Matt Hancock broke rules with I'm A Celeb appearance, says watchdog |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-63727270 |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=BBC News }}
On 23 May 2024, Rishi Sunak restored the whip to Hancock.{{Cite web |title=General election latest: Sunak's announcement gets brutal review from top Tory - as Reform leader defends 1066 graph |url=https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-sunak-starmer-davey-tories-labour-lib-dems-general-election-12593360 |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=Sky News |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Maidment |first1=Jack |last2=Gutteridge |first2=Nick |last3=Sigsworth |first3=Tim |last4=Gibbons |first4=Amy |last5=Penna |first5=Dominic |date=2024-05-23 |title=UK general election 2024: Sunak facing record number of Tory MPs standing down |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/05/23/politics-latest-news-general-election-polls-sunak-starmer/ |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}
Personal life
File:Matt Hancock visits China to promote co-operation on healthcare innovation.jpg
Hancock married Martha Hoyer Millar, an osteopath, in 2006. She is a granddaughter of the 1st Baron Inchyra.{{cite news|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 October 2005|title=Hancock/Hoyer Millar engagement}} They have a daughter and two sons. Hancock forbids his children to use social media.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/06/11/take-mobile-phones-children-night-says-minister/|title=Culture Secretary Matt Hancock reveals he does not allow his children to use social media|work=The Telegraph|date=11 June 2018|last=Mikhailova|first=Anna|access-date=16 April 2020|url-access=limited|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004153929/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/06/11/take-mobile-phones-children-night-says-minister/|url-status=live}} The family lived in Little Thurlow in his West Suffolk parliamentary constituency.{{cite news|url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/new-health-secretary-chester-born-14888785|title=New health secretary is Chester-born Matt Hancock MP|work=Cheshire Live|date=10 July 2018|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326125913/https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/new-health-secretary-chester-born-14888785|url-status=live}}
In June 2021, following an affair with his political aide Gina Coladangelo, sources reported that he had left his wife for Coladangelo.{{cite news|date=25 June 2021|title=Matt Hancock accused of 'having affair with close aide'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-gina-coladangelo-affair-b1872505.html|access-date=26 June 2021|website=The Independent|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625190943/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-gina-coladangelo-affair-b1872505.html|url-status=live}} Hancock confirmed he was still with Coladangelo during a conversation with Babatunde Aléshé on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.{{cite news|date=26 June 2021|title=Matt Hancock resigns as health secretary after kissing aide – follow live|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-affair-resign-sajid-javid-b1873200.html|access-date=26 June 2021|website=The Independent|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626214410/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/matt-hancock-affair-resign-sajid-javid-b1873200.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Matt Hancock resigns as health secretary after admitting breaking COVID rules|url=https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock-resigns-as-health-secretary-12342613|access-date=26 June 2021|website=Sky News|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626193852/https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock-resigns-as-health-secretary-12342613|url-status=live}}{{cite news |first1=Tim |last1=Shipman |first2=Gabriel |last2=Pogrund |title=Matt Hancock quits over affair with Gina Coladangelo |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/matt-hancock-quits-over-affair-with-gina-coladangelo-nrkrgss2t |access-date=26 June 2021 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626212029/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hancock-finally-quits-nrkrgss2t |url-status=live }}
During his time as an MP, Hancock lived in his constituency, and also had a flat in London.{{cite news|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/19993436.matt-hancock-says-prepared-house-family-ukrainian-refugees-fleeing-russia/|title=Matt Hancock says he is prepared to house family of Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia|work=Your Local Guardian|date=15 March 2022|access-date=15 March 2022|last=Simone|first=Carlo|archive-date=15 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315105146/https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/19993436.matt-hancock-says-prepared-house-family-ukrainian-refugees-fleeing-russia/|url-status=live}}
Hancock trained as a jockey in 2012 and won a horse race in his constituency town of Newmarket. Hancock supports Newcastle United, and auctioned his "pride and joy" signed team shirt to raise money for the NHS in May 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/matt-hancock-auctions-pride-joy-18224737|title=Matt Hancock Auctions Pride and Joy|work=The Evening Chronicle|date=8 May 2020|last=Sabur|first=Rozina|access-date=8 May 2020|archive-date=9 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509103638/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/matt-hancock-auctions-pride-joy-18224737|url-status=live}}{{cite news | last=Walker | first=Jonathan | title=Why did Matt Hancock have a Newcastle United shirt on his wall? | website=The Evening Chronicle | date=1 April 2020 | url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/matt-hancock-newcastle-united-shirt-18022332 | access-date=24 May 2020 | archive-date=18 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418021303/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/matt-hancock-newcastle-united-shirt-18022332 | url-status=live }}
Hancock told The Guardian in 2018 that he has dyslexia, something that he said first became apparent two decades earlier while he was studying at Oxford.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/03/matt-hancock-dyslexia-struggles-strengthen-case-against-send-cuts|work=The Guardian|title=Matt Hancock dyslexia struggles 'strengthen case against cuts'|date=3 October 2018|last=Weaver|first=Matthew|access-date=6 June 2023|archive-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326125902/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/03/matt-hancock-dyslexia-struggles-strengthen-case-against-send-cuts|url-status=live}}
On 25 January 2023, police arrested a 61-year-old man for allegedly assaulting Hancock on the London Underground.{{cite news |last1=Francis |first1=Sam |last2=Rhoden-Paul |first2=Andre |title=Matt Hancock assault: Police arrest 61-year-old man |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64404426 |work=BBC News |date=25 January 2023}}
Notes
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References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{Official website}}
- {{UK MP links | parliament = matthew-hancock/4070 | publicwhip = matthew_hancock | theywork = matthew_hancock}}
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Category:21st-century English diarists
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