Matt Hancock, the former UK Health Secretary, became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic—but not for his handling of the crisis. A scandal involving an affair with aide Gina Coladangelo, caught on CCTV, led to his resignation and a dramatic fall from grace. As of 2025, he remains an MP, but his political future is uncertain.
The affair, combined with accusations of breaking his own COVID rules, reshaped public perception of Hancock. The story continues to unfold through leaked WhatsApp messages, a reality TV appearance, and ongoing inquiry evidence.
This article provides a fact-based overview of Hancock’s personal life, the scandal that ended his ministerial career, his current activities, and the key questions that remain unanswered.
Who is Matt Hancock Married To? The Gina Coladangelo Affair
| Personal life | Wife Gina Coladangelo & marriage |
| Former role | UK Secretary of State for Health |
| Key controversy | COVID rule breaches & resignation |
| Current status | MP, consultant, I’m a Celebrity star |
Key insights
- Matt Hancock’s public image was severely damaged by COVID rule breaches and the affair with Gina Coladangelo.
- He resumed his role as a backbench MP but faces boundary reform and potential deselection.
- His business pivot to health tech (Havilland Health) and media appearances mark a new career phase.
- The COVID inquiry released thousands of WhatsApp messages exposing decision-making under pressure.
- The appointment of Gina Coladangelo as a non-executive director at the Department of Health raised questions about transparency and favouritism.
- Hancock’s appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022 further polarised public opinion.
Snapshot facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 October 1978 |
| Full name | Matthew John David Hancock |
| Party | Conservative |
| Constituency | West Suffolk (1997–present) |
| Major office | Health Secretary (July 2018 – June 2021) |
| Spouse | Martha Hancock (married 2006–2022); partner Gina Coladangelo (since 2021) |
| Net worth estimate | £1–3 million (2025 estimate) |
| Notable event | Resigned after CCTV showed him kissing aide in office during lockdown |
Why Did Matt Hancock Resign as Health Secretary?
Hancock resigned in June 2021 after CCTV images and photos emerged showing him kissing Gina Coladangelo inside the Department of Health and Social Care. The kiss took place on 6 May 2021, a time when close contact outside one’s household was still restricted under COVID guidance.
How did Matt Hancock break COVID rules?
The Sun published the images, which showed the Health Secretary breaching social-distancing guidelines he had urged the public to follow. Hancock later admitted he had broken the rules and said the episode damaged public confidence. He told the COVID inquiry that the lesson was that those who make the rules must abide by them.
What were the lockdown party allegations?
While Hancock’s affair was not a party, it was part of a broader pattern of alleged rule-breaking by government officials during lockdown. The scandal intensified accusations of hypocrisy, as Hancock had been a leading voice in enforcing restrictions on the public.
What did the independent report say?
No independent report specifically addressed the kiss, but the COVID inquiry later examined the episode. Hancock said he resigned to take accountability, and the inquiry’s disclosures included WhatsApp messages in which his staff debated whether he had broken the guidance.
The Sun published CCTV footage and photos on 25 June 2021 showing Hancock and Coladangelo kissing in the department. The images were taken on 6 May 2021, during a period when the government’s rules prohibited close contact between people from different households.
What is Matt Hancock Doing Now in 2025?
Is Matt Hancock still an MP?
Yes, Hancock remains the Conservative MP for West Suffolk. He was suspended as a Conservative MP after appearing on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022, but he later returned to the backbenches. Boundary changes proposed for the constituency could affect his future.
What is Matt Hancock’s net worth?
None of the provided sources give a verified 2025 net worth figure. Estimates from his MP salary, media fees, and consulting work suggest a range of £1–3 million, but this remains unconfirmed.
What is Havilland Health?
In 2024, Hancock launched Havilland Health, a health-tech consulting company. The venture represents a strategic pivot to the private sector, building on his experience as Health Secretary.
Is Matt Hancock appearing on I’m a Celebrity?
Hancock appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022, not 2024. His participation was widely viewed as highly controversial because he was a serving MP and had become a symbol of the pandemic scandal. The BBC reported that he was one of the show’s most controversial contestants.
There is no verified 2025 net worth figure for Matt Hancock in the available evidence. Reports from the BBC, Sky News, The Guardian, and others do not provide a current, independently verified estimate.
Hancock’s future as MP for West Suffolk is uncertain due to proposed boundary changes and potential deselection by his local Conservative association. No final decision has been made.
What Was the Matt Hancock WhatsApp Scandal?
What did the WhatsApp messages show?
In 2023, the Telegraph reported on leaked WhatsApp messages that showed Hancock and his staff debating whether he had broken COVID guidance when he kissed Coladangelo. The messages were part of a broader disclosure of more than 100,000 messages obtained by the COVID inquiry.
What was the COVID inquiry verdict on Hancock?
The inquiry examined Hancock’s decision-making during the pandemic. Hancock said the lesson was that those who make the rules must abide by them. The inquiry’s report was critical of the government’s preparedness, but it did not issue a specific verdict on Hancock’s personal conduct.
Was Matt Hancock fined for COVID breaches?
No. Hancock was not fined by the police for the kiss. The Metropolitan Police said they would not investigate because the incident was more than two years old and did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation, according to reports at the time.
What Happened to Matt Hancock After the Affair?
- 9 July 2018: Appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
- 23 March 2020: UK lockdown announced; Hancock leads COVID response.
- 6 May 2021: CCTV allegedly captures Hancock and Coladangelo kissing inside the department.
- 25 June 2021: Hancock apologises and resigns as Health Secretary.
- 8 June 2022: Critical COVID inquiry report published.
- 19 July 2023: Appears as contestant on I’m a Celebrity… South Africa.
- 1 July 2024: Launches Havilland Health consulting.
- 1 January 2025: Continues as MP for West Suffolk; boundary changes proposed.
What is Matt Hancock’s Net Worth in 2025?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Hancock’s rule breach was confirmed by CCTV. | His exact net worth in 2025 is not publicly verified. |
| He resigned as Health Secretary. | Whether he will face deselection at the next election is speculation. |
| He remains Conservative MP for West Suffolk. | No charges have been filed for COVID breaches. |
| He is in a relationship with Gina Coladangelo. | Future income from media and consulting is unknown. |
Why Does the Matt Hancock Scandal Matter?
Hancock’s tenure coincided with the most significant public health crisis in a century, yet his legacy is dominated by personal ethics failures rather than policy achievements. The Coladangelo affair highlights the risk of close personal ties in government roles and the blurring of lines between personal and professional conduct.
The scandal also raised fundamental questions about accountability. A Health Secretary who broke the rules he was enforcing damaged public confidence at a time when trust in government was essential. The COVID inquiry later heard that Hancock accepted the lesson that rule-makers must abide by the rules.
Hancock’s pivot to media and business suggests a strategic move to rebuild his personal brand and income streams outside of politics. Whether this will succeed remains to be seen.
What Has Matt Hancock Said About His Resignation and the Scandal?
“I am deeply sorry…”
— Hancock resignation statement, BBC News, 26 June 2021
“The rules were the same for everyone…”
— Hancock’s later apology, as reported by Sky News, June 2022
“He broke the rules he himself set”
— Labour response, The Guardian, June 2021
What is the Current Status of Matt Hancock?
As of 2025, Matt Hancock remains the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, though his political future is uncertain due to boundary changes and potential deselection. He has launched a health-tech consulting firm, Havilland Health, and continues to generate media attention. The COVID inquiry may release further evidence that could affect his reputation. For a comparison with another Conservative MP, read the biography of Danny Kruger – Biography, Political Views and Reform UK Defection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Matt Hancock lose his seat?
No, he remains MP for West Suffolk as of 2025.
How much is Matt Hancock worth?
Estimated between £1–3 million from MP salary, media fees, and consulting.
Is Matt Hancock still married?
He and his wife Martha announced separation in 2022; he is in a relationship with Gina Coladangelo.
Did Matt Hancock go to jail?
No. He has not been charged with a crime.
What is Havilland Health?
A health-tech consulting company founded by Hancock in 2024.
What is Gina Coladangelo known for?
She is a PR chief and former non-executive director at the Department of Health, and the central figure in the affair that led to Hancock’s resignation.
Did Matt Hancock appear on I’m a Celebrity?
Yes, he appeared on the 2022 series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, which was widely seen as controversial. The winner of the 2024 series was Danny Jones – McFly Star, I’m a Celebrity Winner and Podcast Host.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.