UK health minister resigns after breaking Covid rules by kissing assistant

The Sun newspaper published pictures of the married minister embracing senior aide Gina Coladangelo, who he had appointed to a taxpayer-funded role to scrutinise the performance of his department.

PRETORIA, June 28 (ANA) – Britain’s health minister Matt Hancock stepped down from his position on Saturday after he was caught breaking Covid-19 rules by kissing and embracing an assistant in his office, the NBC News reported on Sunday.

The British broadcaster reported that Hancock’s actions enraged colleagues and the public who have been living under lockdown.

The news channel said Hancock, 42, served as a health secretary for three years. He wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign after a local tabloid, The Sun newspaper published photos on Friday of the married minister embracing senior aide Gina Coladangelo, who he had appointed to a taxpayer-funded role to scrutinise the performance of his department.

On his Twitter page, Hancock posted his resignation letter, writing that he reiterates his apology for breaking the guidance, he also apologised to his family and loved ones for putting them through this, also added that he needs to be with his children at this time.

The letter was followed by a video of him adding on his resignation.

“I understand the enormous sacrifices that everybody in this country has made, that you have made, and those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them and that’s why I have got to resign.”

According to Al Jazeera, the pictures that enraged the public and politicians were taken on May 6, 11 days before lockdown rules were eased to allow hugs and other physical contact with people outside one’s own household.

The broadcaster reported that Johnson accepted an apology from Hancock and said he considered the matter to be closed, but the latter had faced rising pressure to step down.

“You should be immensely proud of your service, I am grateful for your support and believe that your contribution to public service is far from over,” Johnson was quoted as saying in his reply.

Sajid Javid, who will be taking over from Hancock, said he was honoured to be appointed as health secretary at this critical time.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Naomi Mackay