No sympathy for the man but the camera position, the leaking etc....all seems very set up, not just Cummings revenge.
In May 2020, the health secretary claimed to have been left “speechless” by Prof Ferguson’s “extraordinary” behaviour, and said it had been right for him to resign as a government Sage adviser.
Although Scotland Yard decided not to prosecute Prof Ferguson, Mr Hancock had said he would back the police if they wanted to take action over the matter.
“It’s extraordinary. I don’t understand,” the minister told Sky News on Prof Ferguson’s lockdown trysts. He added: “I think the social distancing rules are very important and people should follow them.”
The Independent - Hancock on Ferguson’s affair
Well I’m sure Hancock will follow his own advice
Marina Hyde’s take on it...
Matt Hancock, the one-time sex cop now busted for a dodgy clinch
You may want to recalibrate your dry heave limits too. Apparently Gove has been ‘busy’ too
Starmy Army's keeping embarrassingly quiet.
Starmy Army’s keeping embarrassingly quiet.
Probably because marital infidelity is surprisingly common.
And while the Sun is drip feeding pics and videos, the media and the public aren't focused on Labour's call yesterday for a review of whether influence of cronyism has resulted from the relationship.
Usually there's a distinct line between people's private life and work, but obviously there's a fair bit of blurring here due to:
1) Him giving her a taxpayer-funded role without declaring the relationship (especially when there's already questions about him being dodgy in giving handouts to friends and family).
2) Him being in charge of covid regulations, which at the time said that you shouldn't go within two metres of someone that's not part of your household, or in your support bubble, unless you're wearing a mask.
3) Him previously declaring that infidelity is no excuse for breaching covid guidelines, and that its right to resign when caught doing so.
It's less of the affair that's the issue, rather the dodginess and corruption surrounding it.
I feel so sorry for his wife and kids - especially his kids though.
I feel so sorry for his wife and kids – especially his kids though.
I feel sorry for her husband - imagine how it feels being passed over for Matt Hancock.
I feel so sorry for his wife and kids – especially his kids though.
I feel a lot more sorry for the families of the tens of thousands of people who he and his incompetence and corrupt practices have effectively killed unnecessarily. I'm sure his kids will go on to live a cushy, privileged existence and grow up to be just like daddy.
It’s less of the affair that’s the issue, rather the dodginess and corruption surrounding it.
This.
But that also means he won’t go. No one in this government can be sacked for jobs for mates, or contracts for contacts… because then where does it end? They are all dodgy and in it to make sure more of our money ends up in their circles.
Shall we not bother making fun of him because he is short?
Being short is not a character deficiency.
Plenty of other stuff you can go after with him.
It’s less of the affair that’s the issue, rather the dodginess and corruption surrounding it.
Indeed. I couldn’t care less who Matty is shagging, but this just typifies the shameless ‘jobs and contracts for the boys (and girls)’ attitude that seems so prevalent with this lot, with a side-helping of ‘one rule for us, another for the rest of you’
Boris won’t sack him, because he doesn’t sack anyone, and he won’t resign because none of them do.
They just do what the hell they like with total impunity
I've been impressed the press are going for the best way of putting pressure on him, hypocrisy over social distancing, probably the best reason people WGAS. Affairs and dodgy dealings don't cut it anymore.
I feel sorry for her husband – imagine how it feels being passed over for Matt Hancock.
You are assuming he wasn't in on the scam.
They just do what the hell they like with total impunity
And up their poll ratings go. It is clear that a lot of people just don't care which is exactly why they can do what they like. They will be interested in the affair from a gossip point of view but have no interest in political dodgy dealings.
Anecdotally, I had an hour in the pub last night and have never heard such class conscious diatribes down there in a decade, and it wasn't even me. There is hope yet.
Shall we not bother making fun of him because he is short?
Being short is not a character deficiency.
Plenty of other stuff you can go after with him.
It's all fair game when someone is a hypocritical shit. **** him.
Anyway, I want him to stay and make Johnson sack him. Then the obvious question is:
"So, Prime Minister, what are you sacking him for?"
He can't answer that because whatever he says someone else is thus implicated.
1. Being a philanderer. He can't, because he's a serial adulterer too. And Gove has most likely been giving 'Little Michael' a run out where he shouldn't too.
2. Breaking covid regulations. Why didn't you sack Cummings and Jenrick?
3. Being corrupt. Basically all of them are in that one but Jenrick, Truss and Cummings are all well documented crooks.
4. Being shit at his job. Again all of them, but Truss, Patel and Raab deserve a particular mention.
It really is rather lovely if Johnson has to sack him.
You are assuming he wasn’t in on the scam.
Precisely. If she's going to drop her knickers so her brother can get a load of cash, then I doubt they'd go for it without his go ahead.
Look at the situation. They have clearly targeted Dodgy Little Matty. She's turned a trick or two and it has netted millions. Good work if you can get it.
I’ve been impressed the press are going for the best way of putting pressure on him, hypocrisy over social distancing, probably the best reason people WGAS. Affairs and dodgy dealings don’t cut it anymore.
You know what I think would be the end for him? If any of the tabloids print that photo of the Queen sat completely alone at Prince Philip's funeral side-by-side with a CCTV still of Hancock & Coladangelo, accompanied by an appropriate headline. Tabloidism at its finest, but put to good use for once.
I feel a lot more sorry for the families of the tens of thousands of people who he and his incompetence and corrupt practices have effectively killed unnecessarily. I’m sure his kids will go on to live a cushy, privileged existence and grow up to be just like daddy.
I think it's possible to be horrified about how many unnecessary deaths he and his government has caused, and feel sympathy for children who've had photos and videos of their dad groping and snogging another woman plastered all over the press and social media. I don't think kids having all they require financially/materially makes them completely immune to any other woes.
Less sympathy for the wife, admittedly, as she married him in the first place...
You know what I think would be the end for him? If any of the tabloids print that photo of the Queen sat completely alone at Prince Philip’s funeral side-by-side with a CCTV still of Hancock & Coladangelo, accompanied by an appropriate headline. Tabloidism at its finest, but put to good use for once.
That is vindictive.
What's the number for Bignewscorp......
I didn’t know who this was, but Mrs Binners informs me that she’s a TV presenter.
This is a top notch rant, reflecting the thoughts of many people, I’d imagine
I didn’t know who this was
You don't watch Loose Women, unbelievable
@dannyh You are making fun of short people. There might be short people reading this thread. Matt Hancock is definitely not reading this thread.
run of the mill second hand car salesman
He hasn't the ability.
against government rules.
Rules are for other people, just applying that government rule.
I appreciate the point, but can I please just try something on you here?
Hancock has been a snappy, spiteful shit with numerous people over the last couple of years. I have a strong suspicion that some of this stems from 'short man syndrome'. As such it is a defining part of his very unappealing character.
I'm not making fun of short people. I'm making fun of a jumped up prat who is probably 'compensating' for his own perceived lack of height. As such, I believe it is fair game to attack him along that line.
There are myriad short people who I admire and respect. There is no way I'd ever bring up their stature. However, I despise Hancock and his ilk, so I don't care.
For balance:
Gove looks like a rubber toy. Johnson is fat and likely has a drink problem. Truss looks like a bunny boiler. Patel has got a massive arse. Raab has that ridiculous forehead vein and is very sweaty.
All of those things might offend someone else 'out there', but, especially seeing as how the public don't seem to give a shit about multibillion pound fraud, any way* of mocking these shitbags and ridiculing them is fair game.
If people give Johnson the boot because he is a fat drunk, then fine.
*There are a few places where no one should go.
He's 5'10". He an arse not a short-arse.
Dogbone (a Short Arse)
And Gove has most likely been giving ‘Little Michael’ a run out where he shouldn’t too.
Torn between laughing out loud and trying to contain the little bit of sick that the mental image gave me.
First tory MP to seek his resignation, interesti gly took the famy values angle, which obviously, Johnson is weak on himself
The Conservative MP for North Norfolk, Duncan Baker, on Saturday called for British health secretary, Matt Hancock, to quit, telling the Eastern Daily Press that politicians in high public office should act with “appropriate morals and ethics”.
“Matt Hancock, on a number of measures, has fallen short of that. As an MP who is a devoted family man, married for 12 years with a wonderful wife and children, standards and integrity matter to me,”
‘short man syndrome’. As such it is a defining part of his very unappealing character.
I’m not making fun of short people.
ctk has a good point yet you persist, Dannyh. It's stereotyping and prejudice. It's a source of discrimination.
Mogrim was jumped on for the word "exotic sounding" (which went over my head) but when he was picked up he distanced himself from interpretations he hadn't intended. You on the contrary are doubling down on your prejudices against short people which are not backed up by anything more serious than the Daily Mail.
https://psychologenie.com/short-man-syndrome
Hancock personifies many undesireable traits but not being 5 foot 10 isn't one of them.
It's perhaps sad that it took a couple doing something people who fancy each other do that doen't concern me/us to draw light to far more serious issues such as nepotism, abuse of power, breaking ministerial code, breeaking of Covid laws... .
He’s 5’10”. He an arse not a short-arse.
Dogbone (a Short Arse)
Wow. Someone of average height whose demeanour makes him seem like a resentful shortarse. I'm not sure what to do with that tbh.
I'm not a shortarse, or a bean pole. I'm 5'11". But I'm carrying a proto beer belly and I have a massive overbite that makes me look like I have a tiny chin. I sweat profusely whilst exercising. One ear sticks out a bit more than the other (probably due to having a phone against one ear for most of my working life). Despite riding bikes for 15+ years my lower legs still wouldn't look out of place on a pigeon.
I know my physical imperfections and would be mildly perplexed and maybe a bit annoyed if someone who knew nothing about me had a pop about them.
If, however, I had been caught groping and snogging an employee during work hours, committing adultery into the bargain and awarded the bit on the side's brother millions of quid of public money...
Then, frankly, I would have had it coming.
And that is putting aside all the rest of the lies, bullying, snappiness, corruption and brown nosing.
You on the contrary are doubling down on your prejudices against short people
If he was 6'6" I'd be referring to him as a long streak of piss. I have no prejudices against short people or tall people, but caricaturing arseholes is amusing.
Presumably all the po-faced folks on this thread also condemn Spitting Image as well as pretty much every comedy sketch show that has ever been made and every newspaper cartoonist. And Viz. And The Beano?
It’s ignorant though isn’t it? Short man syndrome is a cultural myth, he’s not short and even if he was, as above there are plenty of valid ways to call him out.
The last Spitting Image I watched was newly elected Blair bumping into Maggie on the street and getting on like a house on fire. Absolutely no prejudices exploited, they just made it clear that Blair and Maggie were peas from the same pod. Comedy genius.
The Conservative MP for North Norfolk, Duncan Baker, on Saturday called for British health secretary, Matt Hancock, to quit, telling the Eastern Daily Press that politicians in high public office should act with “appropriate morals and ethics”.
If this guy genuinely believes in morals and ethics, then he really is in the wrong political party. Over the decades I have heard tory after tory associate themselves with morals, ethics, and Christian Values, when everything that party has done says otherwise.
It has to be the biggest virtue signalling stunt pulled by members of that party.
*There are a few places where no one should go.
Is Milton Keynes one of them?
Can we please stop talking about Gove having an affair.
Whilst I’m just about ok thinking of the fact that he’s married, that’s only because his wife is a hateful bag of spite so they’re suited to each other.
That other women might be so full of self-loathing they would consider being romantically or physically involved with that sack of barely-human excrement, fills me with existential sadness.
As for Hancock… yes Matt, it’s been lovely having you on… but do f*ck off now. You clearly cannot be trusted with anything. I know I’m idealistic (and completely out of my mind given the current crop of politicians) but integrity is something a politician should have. If he is lying to his wife and children, does anyone really think he’d think twice about lying to his bosses, parliament or the public?
Is Milton Keynes one of them?
Oi it's lovely here!
Oi it’s lovely here!
maybe you’re the reason we shouldn’t go there
Great riding from Milton Keynes.
So, do we reckon Hancock has had the call from the Sun editor yet where he says "OK Matty, are you going to resign or do we really have to publish the video with your cock (just) visible"?
😅
all seems very set up, not just Cummings revenge.
Since Cummings normally uses other journalists it does seem like some other tory infighting going on. Be curious to find out why someone is putting the boot in since its not that he has been exactly covering himself in glory in his job and hence needs knocking down as a rival.
The Conservative MP for North Norfolk, Duncan Baker, on Saturday called for British health secretary, Matt Hancock, to quit, telling the Eastern Daily Press that politicians in high public office should act with “appropriate morals and ethics”.
I assume he'd happily then call on Johnson to resign for the same then?
*waits for the Eastern Day Press to publish video of the Right Honourable Member for North Norfolk's less honourable member being where it shouldn't be*
This is how I see it
Dear My MP
I'm writing to express my deep concern about the issues raised by the recent disclosure regarding the Secretary of State for Health, the points which I see at issue are
Appointment to a paid directorship of a friend
The friendship was apparently undeclared at that time
The subsequent relationship was never declared
These are clear breaches of ministerial code
The breaking of social distancing rules in force at the time
These were the Minister's own rules
In a similar situation the Minister censured Neil Ferguson for breaking rules
He accepted Ferguson's resignation
He also supported any prosecution that the CPS might choose to make
This is a very clear double standard
There is the question of the morality of the Minister's actions. This can be considered as a private matter except that this speaks to and calls into question the Minister's integrity
It is very disappointing that the Minister did not resign in respect of his hypocritical actions, simple contrition is not enough for a person in the highest office who has repeatedly given out the message that we must all observe the rules he has set out and then breaks them himself.
Equally disappointing is that the PM has not required the Minister to leave office, if not by his own resignation then a dismissal.
Why is all this important? Integrity in public office should be a given. Not so under this government, there are other examples which you will be aware of where advisors and Ministers have remained in office when they have clearly broken the applicable codes.
A second point is the undermining of public compliance with current and future lockdown rules. Individuals simply will not observe rules in the knowledge that those setting them out are flouting them without consequence.
I hope and expect that you will share my views which I believe are reflected by the wider public and in particular your constituents. Polling results would certainly suggest this is the case.
Please do represent these views through party channels, it is important that this Minister be removed quickly if the public confidence and compliance with lockdown rules is to be recovered.
Yours
From the Beeb.
Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie, a former adviser to Mr Johnson, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme Mr Hancock had been "a good secretary of state" but should resign.
"When you undermine your own rules, you have to show the public that you understand the transgression you've made and you resign," he said.
Mr Montgomerie later told BBC News Mr Hancock would probably survive in his job as there were concerns in No10 that his sacking could lead to more scrutiny around other ministers and create a "domino effect".
That last paragraph translates as "they are a bunch of crooks and the only thing keeping them from ripping each others throats out is the omerta".
Leave voters are complicit in this. They created a situation where rampant corruption could prosper and also showed the ENP (formerly the Conservatives) how thick a large section of society is. A section large enough to ensure continued power.
But I digress. Let's get back to the matter in hand. No, not you Matty, put her down...
Let's see if the little shit gets a revolver and a bottle of whiskey from Fatboy.
Looks like he’s resigned…
The twitterati are reporting that he's taken a dive.
Yep, he's gone.
Now now don't falter and start thinking he's being honourable.
Ta ra, don't let the door hit you on the way out...
I'm actually shocked he's gone. I was really starting to wonder what on earth they would have to do to actually go.
Priti next hopefully 🤞🏻
Matt Hancock resigns.
*finger on monkeys paw curls up*
Dido Harding appointed Health Secretary
Wonder which corrupt inept bellend will be parachuted in to replace the cheating snivelling little weasel.
Dido Harding appointed Health Secretary
Can we have Hancock back please
*unt ?
Klunk, do you mean Jeremy??
Hunt won’t take it. Come the next leadership contest there will need to be a “never served in that utterly corrupt cabinet” candidate.
and from 2004
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/nov/14/uk.conservatives
and another one gone 🤔
https://twitter.com/ShippersUnbound/status/1408847701110894593
Harding has to be in the running...
https://twitter.com/drrosena/status/1408840185908023297?s=21
https://twitter.com/davidlammy/status/1408841700034891777?s=21
I was about to come here and be like yeh who cares hes an idiot but nothing will change, but dam hes gone! Bojos scapegoat has gone so whos next inline because it sure as hell wont be him
Very much looking forward to the return of Chris Grayling to turbo charge the recovery of the NHS
Workplace affairs a fraught with problems.
He holds public office; whether he likes it or not he should be a a good example to the public he serves.
This is carrying on in the workplace where we are paying you to be. Get back to work you entitled prick. What about the morale and disruption to other staff? What about work rate?
He’s a senior politician. He is in a position of authority and trust. Having an affair with someone in a lower position who he arguably supervises can be seen to be an abuse of that authority. Maybe she’s not that willing but felt it difficult to say no? This is virtually guaranteed to be a Sun story or subject of a book. Sexual harassment whilst people are dying etc.
It’s dishonest; the least we should get from our government is honesty (I know, know).
How long has it been going on? Was she in his bubble? Did his family know? Did he give them an opportunity to distance?
To be fair to him there seems to be a slow, gradual build up of negativity around him. Basically the knives are out & his days are numbered. It’s all about creating as much shit as possible, throwing it & seeing how much sticks.
Wow, that was quick..! 😂
Very much looking forward to the return of Chris Grayling to turbo charge the recovery of the NHS
Beat me to it. Who else has as much experience of disaster management? The inevitable choice.
With Hancock resigning this now becomes a non-story, whatever new stuff tomorrow's papers might or might not reveal.
Which of course is excellent news for Johnson. He has been spared the need to sack Hancock and the inevitable charge of hypocrisy that would bring. The latest yougov poll gives the Tories a 12 point lead, with Hancock gone there is no reason to think that his careless indiscretions will dent that.
Johnson's luck will eventually one day ran out, and for someone who clearly is not prime ministerial material he has been very lucky.
But I have no idea when that will be. Maybe when he is faced with an effective opposition.
Resigns his job as Health Secretary but still an MP. Should be properly sacked.
What about the morale and disruption to other staff? What about work rate?
I ran a business with my girlfriend who became my wife. The most business efficient collaboration I've ever worked in. In every business I've worked for, couples, whether official or not were extremely productive working with a complicity and efficiency well above the norm in the interests of the company.
I bet Boris is annoyed that he has lost his scapegoat before he outlived his usefulness.
Annoying the git has gone so fast. I only emailed my mp complaining a few hours ago
Maybe the next point of interest is where the film emerged from...
I see Sajid David has got the gig.
No surprise there. When it comes to facilitating NHS money going to his circle, he already has an awful track record. He’s a shoe in to keep the flow of our money to their mates running as smoothly as possible.
Anyway…
https://twitter.com/spittingcat/status/1408860517003841536?s=21
1 down, 5 evil twisted liars to go (Patel, Rees-Mogg, Gove, Johnson, Kenrick)
No way he should have went over this matter.
I’d like to know the real reason he’s gone
There are a multitude of good reasons… this final one just happens to be the one the tabloids are happy to run and run with. If they won’t “move one”, then he has to. UK politics is that simple at times.
