Health Secretary Matt Hancock apologises and admits breaking social distancing rules
It comes after images were published appearing to show him in an embrace with his aide
Last updated 24th May 2022
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has apologised for breaching social distancing rules after images appeared to show him in a close embrace with an adviser to his department.
The images were published appearing to show him embracing Gina Coladangelo, on May 6 when Government guidance said two people from different households should not hug.
In a statement, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “very sorry” for breaching social distancing rules and asked for privacy for his family.
What does Matt Hancock's statement say?
Mr Hancock said: “I accept that I breached the social distancing guidance in these circumstances.
“I have let people down and am very sorry.
“I remain focused on working to get the country out of this pandemic, and would be grateful for privacy for my family on this personal matter.”
Our Westminster correspondent Georgie Prodromou asked Transport Minister Grant Shapps about it this morning, he also described it as a personal matter:
Boris Johnson considers the matter 'closed'
Downing Street said the Prime Minister has accepted Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s apology for breaching social distancing guidelines and “considers the matter closed”.
“You’ve seen the Health Secretary’s statement, so I would point you to that,” a spokesman for the Prime Minister said after being asked by reporters why Mr Hancock remained in post.
“I don’t really have anything further to add.
“The Health Secretary set out that he accepted he had breached the social distancing guidelines and he has apologised for that.
“The Prime Minister has accepted the Health Secretary’s apology and considers the matter closed.”
Asked whether Boris Johnson had “full confidence” in Mr Hancock, the spokesman replied: “Yes.”
What are the pictures of Matt Hancock?
The Sun published pictures of the married Cabinet minister appearing to kiss his close friend and adviser Gina Coladangelo.
The images, apparently captured from CCTV footage, were taken on May 6 at the headquarters of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the newspaper adds
Matt Hancock hired Ms Coladangelo as an unpaid adviser on a six-month contract in March last year, before appointing her as a non-executive director at the department.