Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock faced a challenging interview with podcaster Steven Bartlett, who pressed him on the controversial affair that ultimately derailed Hancock’s political career. The conversation, which aired on the podcast “Diary of A CEO,” highlighted the contradictions between Hancock’s public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic and his personal actions.
The scandal erupted in 2021 when CCTV footage surfaced showing Hancock kissing his aide, Gina Coladangelo, in his ministerial office. At the time, both were married, and the revelation angered many, particularly those adhering to strict social distancing measures. This breach of public trust not only impacted Hancock’s political standing but also affected his personal life, as Coladangelo subsequently divorced her husband, Oliver Tress, the founder of the brand Oliver Bonas.
During the podcast, Bartlett confronted Hancock about his advice to the public, which included warnings against casual sexual encounters during lockdown. Hancock appeared visibly uncomfortable as Bartlett reminded him of the guidelines he had promoted, such as “hands, face, space,” and the significance of maintaining established relationships. “Do you think you can ask the question in a little bit of a more respectful way?” Hancock interjected, seeking to redirect the conversation.
Despite Hancock’s discomfort, Bartlett continued to press on. He pointed out the public’s perception of hypocrisy in Hancock’s actions, stating, “The point that’s been levelled at you is very simple, there’s a contradiction in what you said and how you behaved.” In response, Hancock acknowledged his resignation was due to breaching social distancing guidelines, although he clarified that they were not laws but recommendations he himself had proposed.
As the conversation progressed, Hancock defended his relationship with Coladangelo, emphasizing that he had fallen in love and lamenting the public nature of the scandal. “Anyone who’s been through this knows how difficult it is, how painful it is,” he stated, adding that he was still working on repairing his relationship with his ex-wife, Martha Hoyer Millar, after their 15-year marriage ended.
This interview comes on the heels of a critical report from the Covid inquiry released this week, which scrutinized the government’s pandemic response. The 800-page document criticized former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his cabinet for their handling of the crisis, labeling their approach as “too little, too late.” The report also raised concerns about Hancock’s reliability, describing him as “untrustworthy” and highlighting issues of “overpromising and underdelivering.”
Despite these damaging findings, Hancock has returned to the private sector, taking on the role of Managing Director at his family’s marketing and data management company, BBS, where he began his career. His financial situation remains robust, with a reported net worth of approximately £5 million.
The fallout from Hancock’s affair and the subsequent public reaction continue to resonate, demonstrating the lasting impact of personal decisions on political careers and public trust.
