In June 2021, leaked CCTV footage from the Department of Health showed Matt Hancock kissing a woman in his ministerial office. That woman was Gina Coladangelo, a longtime friend and former lobbyist. The revelation shattered the public’s trust in the man who had set the nation’s COVID-19 rules.
How Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo Compare to Other Political Couples
Unlike many political relationships that emerge after a divorce or separation, Hancock and Coladangelo’s connection began while he was still married and serving as Health Secretary. The affair broke the very social distancing rules Hancock had helped create. In contrast, other UK politicians like Dominic Raab or Boris Johnson faced scandals that did not directly involve breaking their own pandemic regulations. Coladangelo, a former lobbyist for the retail sector, had known Hancock since their university days at Oxford. Her appointment as a non-executive director at the Department of Health in 2020 raised eyebrows even before the affair became public. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on Matt Hancock
Timeline of Key Events in the Hancock-Coladangelo Relationship
June 2021: The Sun published CCTV images of Hancock and Coladangelo kissing in his office, sparking immediate calls for his resignation. June 26, 2021: Hancock resigned as Health Secretary, admitting he had broken social distancing guidelines. Late 2021: Hancock separated from his wife Martha after 15 years of marriage. By the end of 2021, Hancock and Coladangelo were publicly seen together. In 2022, Hancock appeared on the reality show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” while Coladangelo remained out of the spotlight. As of 2023, the couple reportedly live together in London.
The Origins of the Affair: From University Friends to Scandal
Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo met while studying at Oxford University in the late 1990s. They remained friends for over two decades. Coladangelo worked as a lobbyist for the British Retail Consortium before moving into communications. In 2020, Hancock appointed her as a non-executive director at the Department of Health, a role that paid £15,000 per year for two days of work per month. The appointment was criticized as a potential conflict of interest, but Hancock defended it. The friendship turned romantic during the pandemic, leading to the fateful CCTV footage. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on Who Is Matt Hancock's Girlfriend Gina Coladangelo? – Grazia Daily
The Scandal’s Fallout: Resignation, Divorce, and Public Scrutiny
Hancock’s resignation on June 26, 2021, was a direct result of the affair. He admitted that his actions had let people down and apologized. His wife Martha Hancock, a former teacher, separated from him later that year. The couple had three children together. Coladangelo, who has three children from her previous marriage, faced intense media scrutiny. Hancock’s decision to join “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2022 was widely criticized as an attempt to rehabilitate his image. The scandal remains a defining moment in his political career.
| Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV footage published | June 2021 | Public outcry |
| Hancock resigns as Health Secretary | June 26, 2021 | End of ministerial career |
| Separation from wife Martha | Late 2021 | Divorce proceedings |
| Hancock appears on I’m a Celebrity | 2022 | Mixed public reaction |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Hancock’s girlfriend?
Matt Hancock’s girlfriend is Gina Coladangelo, a former lobbyist and communications professional. She met Hancock at Oxford University and later worked as a non-executive director at the Department of Health.
Is Matt Hancock still with Gina Coladangelo?
Yes, as of 2023, Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo are still together and reportedly living in London. They have been publicly seen together since late 2021.
Did Matt Hancock break COVID rules with his girlfriend?
Yes, the CCTV footage showed Hancock kissing Coladangelo in his ministerial office, which violated the social distancing rules he had helped implement. This led to his resignation.
How many children does Gina Coladangelo have?
Gina Coladangelo has three children from her previous marriage. Matt Hancock has three children with his ex-wife Martha.
Where do Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo live now?
The couple reportedly live together in London. They have been residing there since late 2021 after Hancock separated from his wife.
Public Perception and Media Coverage of the Couple
The media has closely followed Hancock and Coladangelo since the scandal broke. Tabloids often portray Coladangelo as the woman who brought down a minister. Broadsheets focus on the ethical questions surrounding her appointment. Public opinion remains divided. Some view the couple as a cautionary tale about power and hypocrisy. Others see them as private individuals caught in a public storm. Hancock’s reality TV stint further polarized views, with critics accusing him of seeking fame rather than redemption.
Coladangelo has largely avoided the spotlight since the initial frenzy. She resigned from her Department of Health role shortly after the scandal. Her social media presence remains minimal. This contrasts sharply with Hancock’s continued public appearances, including book deals and speaking engagements. The couple’s dynamic continues to intrigue observers, though they have offered few details about their private life together.
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