MATT Hancock is best known as the former Health Secretary and a member of parliament.
From his family life to securing a place in the final of this year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! – here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Matt Hancock?
Matt Hancock, born October 2, 1978, is a British politician from Chesire.
He was first an economist, then became the economic advisor at the Bank Of England, where he specialised in the housing market.
Hancock entered the field of politics in 2005 as the chief of staff to George Osborne, the shadow chancellor at the time.
Hancock then rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party to become Health Secretary in July 2018.
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However, before taking on the position as Health Secretary, Hancock earned his first junior minister role in October 2013 as Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise.
He was then appointed to the position of Minister of State for Business and Enterprise in July the following year.
In the same month he also became Minister for Energy.
Hancock then moved to the role of Minister for the Cabinet Office Paymaster General in May 2015.
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He held that post until July 2016 when he was made the Digital and Culture Minister.
Hancock was then promoted to Secretary of State of the same department in January 2018 until July 2018.
He also served has also served as an MP for West Suffolk since 2010.
After taking on the position of Health Secretary, Hancock’s ambitions didn’t stop there and on July 25, 2019, he announced that he was going to stand to become the leader of the Conservative Party.
However, this dream was short-lived and after finishing sixth in the first round of voting, he withdrew from the race.
Boris Johnson became PM shortly after and Hancock retained his position as Health Secretary.
On June 25, 2021, it was revealed that Hancock had breached coronavirus social distancing restrictions with Gina Coladangelo – an adviser in the Department of Health and Social Care.
In an exclusive, The Sun revealed that Hancock was having an affair with Gina Coladangelo after CCTV images shown Hancock kissing and embracing her in his Whitehall office.
At the time of the affair, Hancock was married to married Martha Hoyer Millar, an osteopath, who he wed in 2006.
However, the former couple’s marriage broke down after it was revealed Hancock had an affair.
The couple share three children – they have a daughter and two sons.
As the pressure mounted up, Matt Hancock resigned from his position just a day later on June, 26 2021.
His letter of resignation said it has been the “honour of my life” to serve as Health Secretary and he apologised for breaking the guidance.
In November 2022, Hancock hit headlines once again when it was announced that the MP would be one of this year’s contestants on the ITV reality TV show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – a decision that led to his suspension from the Conservative party.
He has also been suspended from the party whip – a disciplinary move in parliament which means he has been kicked out of the Conservative Party but remains an MP.
Chief Whip Simon Hart MP said: “Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect.”
Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman also spoke on the matter, saying: “The PM believes that at a challenging time for the country, MPs should be working hard for their constituents, whether that is in the House or in their constituency.”
When Hancock returns from his time in the jungle, he will sit as an independent in the House of Commons.
He will also continue to represent his constituents in West Suffolk as an independent.
Matt’s time in the jungle will be up tonight as I’m A Celebrity crown the winner of this year’s series – after spending 22 days down under.
The MP has made it all the way to the final alongside Hollyoaks star Owen Warner and Lioness Jill Scott.
What is Matt Hancock’s net worth?
In 2020 Hancock’s net worth was estimated at around £705,000-£2.1m.
His net worth as of 2022 is estimated to be around £5million.
However, this is set to increase after his stint in the jungle.
According to PR expert Mark Borkowski Matt Hancock will probably be paid at least £350,000 for his latest TV appearance.
His profession as a politician is his primary source of income.
What does Matt Hancock do now?
Following Hancock’s suspension from the Conservative Party, the former Health Secretary will now sit as an independent in the House of Commons.
He will also represent his constituents in West Suffolk as an independent.
What happened with Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo?
In a world exclusive, The Sun revealed that Matt Hancock had been having a secret affair with his closest aide, Gina Coladangelo.
Hancock and millionaire lobbyist Gina were caught on camera in a steamy clinch at his Whitehall office.
Whistleblowers revealed the then Health Secretary had been spotted cheating on his wife of 15 years with married Coladangelo.
He was seen kissing her at the Department of Health’s London HQ during office hours in 2021 as the mutant coronavirus strain began spreading.
Hancock was pictured embracing his aide, the image was from just after 3pm on May 6 — as the rest of Westminster was engrossed by the local elections.
Matt Hancock told his wife he was leaving her on the night her affair was revealed, it was reported.
In his resignation statement, the former Health Secretary said he needed to spend more time with his children, but it didn’t contain an apology to his wife.