British Health Minister Matt Hancock has resigned. He admitted that he had violated the rules of physical distancing. The Sun tabloid published photos of him kissing his adviser at the ministry. Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he accepts Hancock’s apology and considers the case closed, but calls for the minister’s resignation or removal continue.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) June 26, 2021
Hancock said he “regrets disappointing people” after photos of him with Gina Colalangelo, whom he personally hired, were shown.
Matt Hancock resigns as health secretary after breaking social distancing rules by kissing a colleague https://t.co/0fjwMedW6B
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 26, 2021
The Sun clarified that the photos of Hancock and Coladangelo – both married with three children – were taken on May 6 at the Ministry of Health.
The opposition Labor Party has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fire Matt Hancock.
Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said: “Hancock sets the rules, he admitted he broke them. He has to leave now. If he does not resign, the prime minister must dismiss him. “
BREAKING: Matt Hancock resigns. pic.twitter.com/61hHrBSXTc
— Joe Pike (@joepike) June 26, 2021
The Liberal Democrats also called for Hancock’s resignation, accusing him of hypocrisy. However, Johnson said he had full confidence in the minister. He said he had accepted Hancock’s apology and considered the case closed.
Matt Hancock resigns as health secretary https://t.co/FNxEkxJFAT
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 26, 2021
Political observers noted, however, that the government is now worried that confidence in Hancock has been severely shaken and in its mantra that existing restrictions must be respected. By keeping Hancock in the cabinet for now, Johnson is allowing the opposition to attack him on an issue that will resonate with voters, namely that the rules are the same for ministers and others for others, said BBC analyst Ian Watson.
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