What's happened
Former health secretary Matt Hancock acknowledges his affair with aide Gina Coladangelo during the pandemic undermined public confidence in adhering to Covid regulations.
Why it matters
This event is significant as it involves a high-profile figure admitting to actions that undermined public trust during a critical time in the pandemic, shedding light on the challenges faced by government officials in upholding Covid regulations.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights Hancock's acknowledgment of the damage caused by his affair, while BBC News provides contrasting opinions from local leaders. The Mirror focuses on Hancock's admission of lives lost due to delayed lockdown, and The Times emphasizes Hancock's accusations against Dominic Cummings. Politico offers a broader perspective on Hancock's controversial image and the criticism he has faced.
How we got here
Matt Hancock's appearance at the Covid inquiry follows intense criticism from various figures, including Dominic Cummings and Sir Patrick Vallance, regarding his handling of the pandemic.
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Matthew John David Hancock is a British politician serving as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care since 2018. A member of the Conservative Party, he previously served as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in 2018 for six mo
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Andrew Murray Burnham is a British Labour Party politician who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. He attended Gordon Brown’s Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2007 to 2008 and served in the Cabinet as Culture Secretary f