Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock confronted challenging questions about his personal life during an appearance on the Diary of A CEO podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. The discussion turned uncomfortable as Bartlett addressed Hancock’s affair with aide Gina Coladangelo, which severely impacted his political career.
Hancock’s affair became public knowledge in 2021 when CCTV footage emerged showing him kissing Coladangelo in his ministerial office, a breach of social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Hancock and Coladangelo were married at the time, but they subsequently left their spouses and remain together today. Their actions infuriated many who adhered to social distancing rules, especially those unable to say goodbye to loved ones or attend funerals.
During the podcast, Bartlett highlighted the contradictions between Hancock’s public advice and his private actions. He reminded Hancock of the guidance issued in September 2020, which discouraged casual relationships during the pandemic. The former Health Secretary appeared defensive, interrupting Bartlett to request a more respectful line of questioning. Despite his discomfort, Bartlett persisted, pointing out the inconsistency in Hancock’s stance on public health and personal behavior.
Hancock acknowledged the controversy, stating, “I resigned because I broke the social distancing guidelines.” He defended his relationship with Coladangelo, explaining, “I fell in love with somebody,” and expressed regret over the pain the situation caused. The former minister disclosed that he is still working to mend relations with his ex-wife, Martha Hoyer Millar, with whom he has two children.
The podcast comes on the heels of a critical 800-page report from the Covid inquiry, which assessed the UK government’s response to the pandemic. The inquiry criticized former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his cabinet for their handling of the crisis, describing their approach as “too little, too late,” which resulted in the loss of approximately 23,000 lives during the first wave of the pandemic. Hancock, now aged 47, was singled out for his perceived “untrustworthiness” and a tendency to “overpromise and underdeliver.”
Despite the negative findings from the inquiry, Hancock has returned to a role as Managing Director at his family’s marketing and data management firm, BBS. Reports indicate that his net worth has risen to around £5 million.
In summary, Hancock’s recent podcast appearance has reignited discussions about his past actions during the pandemic. While he attempts to shift his public image, the fallout from both the affair and the pandemic response continues to overshadow his efforts to rebuild his reputation.
