The Hancock Chronicles

Discover Matt Hancock's journey during the pandemic as the central figure in the national emergency. BBC Radio explores his life, revealing intriguing insights into the man behind the government's face. Uncover his background and role in the No 10 briefings.

Career Path

Hancock's career commenced at the Bank of England, specializing in the housing market. In 2005, he became an adviser to George Osborne, the shadow chancellor, which introduced him to Dominic Cummings, who held a disdain for traditional politicians. This encounter set the stage for Hancock's foray into politics.

Rise in Politics

Hancock swiftly entered the political arena, making a name for himself as an MP. Recognized for his trademark V-necked pullover, he gained prominence through quick thinking, loyalty, and hard work. Surpassing longer-serving Conservative MPs, he aligned himself astutely with the power holders in David Cameron's government, earning rapid promotions.

Cabinet Appointment

With his remarkable skills and unwavering commitment to Cameron and potential future prime minister Osborne, he was appointed to the Cabinet Office following the Conservative triumph in the 2015 election. As paymaster general, he acquired valuable understanding of the government's internal operations.

Health Secretary

Hancock's significant breakthrough came in 2018 when Boris Johnson resigned as foreign secretary. Jeremy Hunt moved to the Foreign Office, and Hancock assumed the role of health secretary. He continued his diligent work to address the challenges stemming from NHS funding constraints, earning praise for his efforts.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite facing significant challenges, Hancock's Covid-19 response wasn't flawless. Cummings launched an attack on him in May 2021, but Hancock defended himself using a semantic argument. However, a video obtained by The Sun revealed his breach of social distancing guidelines, leading to his resignation.

Life After Resignation

Following his resignation, Hancock issued an apology, separated from his wife, and embarked on a new path as a TV personality. He also authored a book to present his side of the story. As the public inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic approached, it seemed that Hancock had been preparing for this moment.