Matt Hancock was forced to resign in 2021 as Health Secretary after his affair with aide Gina Coladangelo was revealed in shocking CCTV images showing the couple in a raunchy embrace amid his Covid-19 social distancing rules
It’s been nearly five years since Matt Hancock’s political career spectacularly imploded in the wake of the Covid scandal, yet life seems to be treating the former Health Secretary rather well.
Once vilified for breaking his own lockdown rules while engaged in an affair with his aide, Gina Coladangelo, Hancock has since managed to reinvent himself – turning a scandal into a chance at a different kind of fame.
In 2021, the images of Hancock in a passionate embrace with Gina inside the Department of Health sparked national outrage as millions of Brits social distanced from their loved ones as Covid-19 spread rapidly. Forced to resign, his credibility shattered, he also saw his 15-year marriage to Martha Hoyer Millar come to an abrupt end.
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Yet, fast-forward to 2025, and Hancock’s life has taken a rather comfortable turn. Far from fading into political obscurity, he has managed to carve out a surprisingly cushy existence.
After stepping away from frontline politics, he quickly cashed in on his notoriety. His stint on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! reportedly netted him a six-figure sum, adding to an already generous MP salary of £91,346.
While his jungle adventure was met with widespread criticism, it undeniably raised his profile and opened doors to more opportunities outside Westminster. The politician earned back some trust from the public following his stint, earning third place on the ITV show.
As for his relationship with Gina Coladangelo, what started as a scandalous affair has blossomed into a stable relationship. The couple now live together in London and are frequently spotted attending exclusive events, dining at high-end restaurants, and holidaying in luxurious locations.
Far from the shame-faced resignation speech he delivered in 2021, Hancock today appears relaxed and content. Despite the public backlash, Coladangelo has stood by him, and the pair seem determined to prove their relationship is more than just a fleeting scandal.
In a move that suggests they are in it for the long haul, the couple has reportedly been discussing future plans, including potential business ventures and media collaborations.
If Hancock was once known for making political blunders, he’s now known for making money. His earnings have been significantly increased by media appearances, public speaking engagements, and even an upcoming book deal. His estimated net worth now sits at around £5 million – a considerable jump from his pre-scandal days.
While some politicians struggle to recover from controversy, Hancock seems to have landed on his feet. But for many, the thought of the ex-Health Secretary living the high life is a tough pill to swallow.
His Covid-rule banning Brits from seeing their loved ones for months and preventing families from spending final moments together in hospital was broken by the politician himself. Yet, the general public faced harsh punishment for breaking the rules, including hefty fines.
Now, as the five-year anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown falls, Hancock is again facing backlash from those who remember the scandal and were most affected by the strict social distancing rules.
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