March 4th 2023.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) The latest batch of communications focus on the period after Mr Hancock became aware that a leaked video was going to be featured on the front page of the Sun in June 2021.
Newly uncovered messages between Matt Hancock and his officials demonstrate how the then health secretary attempted to rescue his career when footage was released of his hug with aide Gina Coladangelo.
These are included in the more than 100,000 messages that were exposed by the Daily Telegraph.
The recent set of conversations highlight the hours after Mr Hancock detected that leaked video, demonstrating him breaching social distancing regulations, would show up on the front page of the Sun in June 2021.
He stepped down as health secretary shortly after.
The messages show Mr Hancock deliberating the guidance in effect at the time and making a decision on his initial answer to media inquiries.
As he waited for the story to be published, Mr Hancock messaged an aide asking ‘how bad’ the pictures were.
On being informed it was ‘a snog and heavy petting’, he replied: ‘How the f*** did anyone photograph that?’
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Mr Hancock expressed his confusion that anyone could have photographed the situation
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) He maintained that 'we didn't break the f****** law'
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) The texts portray the measures taken by the then health secretary to save his career after the footage of his embrace with aide Gina Coladangelo was released
The messages also demonstrate the response of Mr Hancock and Ms Coladangelo to a video obtained by The Sun.
‘OMFG,’ Ms Coladangelo remarked.
Mr Hancock said: ‘Crikey. Not sure there’s much news value in that and I can’t say it’s very enjoyable viewing.’
In his diaries, published last year, Mr Hancock stated that he resigned as health secretary after colleagues did not come to his defence publicly.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) The most recent batch of messages center on the hours after Mr Hancock was made aware that a video of him embracing aide Gina Coladangelo had been leaked and was set to be featured on the front page of the Sun in June 2021.
He attempted to save his career by discussing the advice that was in place at the time and deciding how he should respond to any media questions.
Mr Hancock messaged an aide asking ‘how bad’ the pictures were and expressed disbelief that anyone was able to capture the moment.
He insisted ‘we didn't break the f****** law’.
The messages also show the reaction of Mr Hancock and Ms Coladangelo to the video obtained by The Sun.
Ms Coladangelo exclaimed 'OMFG' while Mr Hancock commented that he didn't think there was much news value in the video and that it was not enjoyable to watch.
In his diaries, released last year, Mr Hancock expressed that he resigned as health secretary due to his colleagues' lack of public support.
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