Matt Hancock is a name that has dominated British political headlines for over a decade. Known for his tenure as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and his highly publicized role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hancock has become a polarizing figure in the UK. But beyond the political controversies, there’s a lot to know about his career, achievements, personal life, and net worth.
Early Life and Education of Matt Hancock
Birth and Family Background
Matt Hancock was born as Matthew John David Hancock on October 2, 1978, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England. He grew up in a middle-class family with strong academic and professional values:
- Father: David Hancock, a professional accountant.
- Mother: (Name not widely publicized) – reportedly supportive of education and extracurricular development.
Hancock’s family emphasized the importance of learning, ambition, and public service from an early age. This nurturing environment played a key role in shaping his career in politics and leadership.
Early Education and Interests
Matt Hancock’s schooling laid the foundation for his intellectual abilities and political ambitions:
- He attended The Marlborough School in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, where he excelled academically.
- He showed early interest in politics, debating, and public affairs, participating in school debates and student councils.
- His academic performance was consistently strong, particularly in subjects like history, politics, and economics, which foreshadowed his future career.
Hancock’s school years also emphasized extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, and community involvement, helping him develop confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills.
University and Advanced Studies
Hancock continued his academic journey at a prestigious university:
- Alma Mater: University of Oxford
- College: Christ Church, Oxford
- Degree: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) – a classic degree for aspiring politicians and public figures.
While at Oxford, Hancock distinguished himself by:
- Being active in student politics, joining debates and political societies.
- Developing a network of influential peers, many of whom later held key positions in government, business, and media.
- Excelling academically in the PPE program, which covered:
- Political theory and governance
- Economic policy and principles
- Philosophical reasoning and ethics
The PPE degree is renowned for producing prominent British politicians, including former Prime Ministers and Cabinet ministers. Hancock’s choice of PPE clearly positioned him for a future in public service.
Early Career Experience
After graduating from Oxford, Hancock briefly explored opportunities in the private sector and consultancy before fully entering politics:
- He worked for his family’s business, Topwood Limited, gaining experience in management, strategy, and technology.
- Hancock also had short stints in the consulting sector, where he learned skills in analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, which later helped in government roles.
His early career outside politics provided him with a practical understanding of business and governance, complementing his academic foundation.
Early Career: Economics Meets Politics
Matt Hancock began his career by combining his love for economics with an interest in public service, which set the stage for his later political journey.
Economist at the Bank of England
After graduating from Oxford, Hancock worked as an economist at the Bank of England:
- He focused on the housing market and national economic trends.
- This gave him a strong understanding of finance, policy, and how government decisions affect the economy.
His work at the Bank of England also gave him the chance to develop analytical and problem-solving skills, which would help him in politics.
Adviser to George Osborne
In 2005, Hancock moved into politics as an economic adviser to George Osborne, the Shadow Chancellor:
- He helped develop economic policies for the Conservative Party.
- Later, he became Osborne’s Chief of Staff, managing political teams and strategies.
- This role helped him understand government workings and political strategy at a national level.
Entering Parliament
Hancock transitioned from advisory roles to active politics in 2010:
- He was selected as the Conservative candidate for West Suffolk.
- In the 2010 General Election, he won the seat and became an MP.
- This marked the start of his career in frontline politics, where he could directly influence legislation and policy.
Early Ministerial Roles
Hancock quickly took on responsibility in government:
- 2012–2015: Minister at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, focusing on skills, apprenticeships, and business support.
- 2014: Became the UK Anti-Corruption Champion, working to improve transparency and reduce corruption in public institutions.
These roles gave Hancock practical experience in running government programs and shaping national policy.
Political Career: Rising Through the Ranks
Matt Hancock entered British politics with a strong background in economics, quickly rising through the ranks to hold important government positions. His political career spans over a decade, with experience in business, digital policy, culture, and health.
Member of Parliament
Hancock’s formal political career began in 2010:
- He was elected as the MP for West Suffolk, narrowly winning the seat in a competitive race.
- He joined parliamentary committees, including the Public Accounts Committee and Standards and Privileges Committee, gaining experience in oversight, accountability, and governance.
- Early on, he became a member of the Free Enterprise Group, a Thatcherite-leaning group within the Conservative Party advocating for business-friendly policies.
Hancock’s time as an MP helped him understand constituency issues while building his reputation in Parliament.
Early Ministerial Responsibilities
Between 2012 and 2015, Hancock took on junior ministerial positions:
- Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (2013) – Promoted apprenticeships and vocational training, aiming to help young people gain practical skills and employment opportunities.
- Minister of State for Business and Energy (2014–2015) – Focused on energy policies and business growth, including managing debates around controversial issues like fracking.
- UK Anti-Corruption Champion (2014–2015) – Oversaw policies to reduce corruption in public contracts and government institutions.
These roles helped Hancock gain policy-making experience and visibility among senior politicians.
Cabinet-Level Positions
Hancock was promoted to several cabinet positions, where he influenced national policy:
Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (2015–2016)
- Worked under Prime Minister David Cameron.
- Launched initiatives on social mobility and civil service diversity.
- Led the “Earn or Learn” taskforce, ensuring young people were working or studying by 2017.
Minister for Digital and Culture (2016–2018)
- Focused on broadband expansion, digital policies, and UK data protection.
- Advocated for full-fibre broadband coverage and strengthened online privacy laws.
- Launched the Matt Hancock MP App, a platform to connect with constituents (later shut down due to privacy concerns).
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (2018)
- Appointed to Theresa May’s cabinet.
- Oversaw media policies, sports funding, and digital innovation.
- Introduced measures like cutting stakes on fixed odds betting terminals to £2, addressing gambling concerns.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (2018–2021)
- Hancock’s most high-profile role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Responsibilities included:
- Overseeing NHS operations and public health.
- Expanding COVID-19 testing and tracing.
- Managing the initial vaccine rollout in the UK.
- Faced criticism for PPE shortages and contract awarding, including controversies highlighted by Byline Times, as well as care home policies.
- Resigned in June 2021 after breaching COVID-19 social distancing rules.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Hancock’s Controversial Role
Matt Hancock played a central role in the UK government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from 2018 to 2021. His tenure during this crisis brought him both recognition and controversy.
Early Measures and Lockdowns
- When the pandemic began in early 2020, Hancock was responsible for coordinating the NHS and public health strategies.
- He supported early lockdown measures to control the virus spread.
- Advocated for social distancing, mask-wearing, and hygiene protocols, aiming to protect vulnerable populations.
- Implemented measures to increase hospital capacity, including the rapid construction of temporary hospitals like NHS Nightingale Hospitals.
Testing and Tracing
- Hancock oversaw the launch of the NHS Test and Trace system, designed to identify and isolate COVID-19 cases.
- Aimed to reduce community transmission through mass testing and contact tracing.
- Faced criticism for delays, inconsistent test availability, and tech issues, but the program did contribute to tracking outbreaks.
PPE Supply and Healthcare Support
- Responsible for ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) supply for NHS staff.
- Early in the pandemic, shortages of PPE became a major concern, leading to public criticism.
- Later efforts increased procurement of masks, gowns, and ventilators to protect healthcare workers.
Vaccine Rollout
- Hancock helped oversee the initial COVID-19 vaccination program in late 2020.
- The UK was among the first countries to approve vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca.
- Focused on priority groups, including elderly people, healthcare workers, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Public Scrutiny and Resignation
- Frequently appeared in press briefings, updating the public on new rules and government policies.
- Criticized for:
- Care home policy mistakes, which contributed to outbreaks.
- Awarding contracts to private companies, some with alleged conflicts of interest.
- Breaching his own COVID-19 social distancing rules, leading to resignation in June 2021.
Personal Life
Matt Hancock, born 2 October 1978 in Chester, England, comes from a family with a background in business—his parents ran a software company. He has an older sister and a brother, and grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged education and ambition.
- Marriage and Family: Hancock was married to Martha Hancock. The couple eventually separated following public controversies in 2021 related to Hancock’s personal life.
- Affair Controversy: Hancock made headlines for an extramarital affair with Gina Coladangelo, a colleague at the Department of Health and Social Care, which led to his resignation as Health Secretary.
- Health and Dyslexia: Hancock has been open about his dyslexia, diagnosed during university. Despite this challenge, he excelled academically and professionally, studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford and completing a Master’s in Economics at Cambridge.
- Humanitarian Work: After stepping back from frontline politics, Hancock welcomed Ukrainian refugees into his Suffolk home during the 2022 Russian invasion, showing a personal commitment to humanitarian causes.
Hancock’s personal life has often intersected with his public role, drawing media attention, yet he continues to maintain a private side focused on family and charitable activities.
Career After Politics
After stepping down from frontline politics and leaving Parliament in 2024, Matt Hancock transitioned into a variety of media, business, and consultancy roles, leveraging his public profile and experience in government.
Reality TV and Media Work
Hancock gained significant attention by participating in the 22nd series of “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2022. This move, while controversial, boosted his visibility and contributed substantially to his net worth. He reportedly earned £400,000 for his participation, finishing in third place.
He also appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, earning an additional £45,000, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on his public persona while branching into entertainment.
Book Deals
Hancock co-wrote “Pandemic Diaries” with Isabel Oakeshott, detailing his experience as Health Secretary during COVID-19. The book’s royalties were pledged to NHS charities, but the serialization rights with major newspapers reportedly added £48,000 to his earnings. This project not only increased his wealth but also maintained his presence in public discussions on healthcare and politics.
Speaking Engagements & Consultancy
Hancock has undertaken paid speaking engagements and consultancy work for companies seeking insights into healthcare policy, government operations, and public administration. These roles allow him to monetize his expertise and provide guidance on areas like digital transformation, crisis management, and strategic leadership.
Business Ventures
He has invested in ventures linked to healthcare services and document management, including Topwood Limited, a family-owned business. While his involvement has been scrutinized for potential conflicts of interest, it reflects a strategic move to grow his wealth post-politics.
Media Commentary and Public Engagement
Hancock frequently provides commentary on healthcare, policy, and economics, contributing to public debates and maintaining relevance in the media. This ongoing presence supports his brand and opens additional revenue streams through consulting and media appearances.
Matt Hancock Net Worth
Matt Hancock has seen a significant rise in his net worth since leaving frontline politics, thanks to a combination of media appearances, book deals, speaking engagements, and business ventures. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around £5 million, reflecting both his political earnings and post-political ventures.
1. Earnings from Politics
While serving as an MP for West Suffolk from 2010 to 2024, Hancock earned a standard MP salary of £84,144 per year, according to Full Fact, with additional ministerial allowances during his cabinet tenure. As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, he received additional allowances and ministerial pay, bringing his total earnings during his time in government closer to £120,000–£140,000 annually.
However, political salaries alone account for only a small portion of his total net worth.
2. Reality TV and Media Deals
Hancock’s participation in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022 was a major boost to his wealth. He earned £400,000 for just a few weeks on the show, finishing in third place. His appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins added around £45,000 more.
These TV deals highlight how politicians can leverage public recognition into lucrative media opportunities.
3. Book Deals
His book, “Pandemic Diaries”, co-written with Isabel Oakeshott, brought in additional income through royalties and serialization deals, reportedly totaling around £48,000. Hancock pledged much of this to NHS charities, demonstrating his public-minded approach while also securing media attention.
4. Speaking Engagements and Consultancy
Since leaving politics, Hancock has taken on paid speaking engagements and consultancy roles. Companies and organizations pay him to share his expertise in healthcare policy, crisis management, and digital strategy. While exact figures are private, speaking fees for high-profile former ministers can range from £5,000 to £20,000 per event, adding significantly to his net worth.
5. Business Ventures
Hancock holds a 20% stake in Topwood Limited, a family-owned firm specializing in document management and secure storage. Although the business has not generated major profits through government contracts, it represents a long-term investment contributing to his overall wealth.
6. Total Net Worth
Considering all these sources—political salary, media appearances, book royalties, speaking engagements, and investments—Hancock’s net worth has grown substantially from £705,000–£2.1 million in 2020 to approximately £5 million in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Hancock
1. Who is Matt Hancock’s wife?
Matt Hancock was married to Martha Hancock. The couple divorced following the public revelation of Hancock’s extramarital affair with Gina Coladangelo in 2021. Martha Hancock largely stayed out of the media spotlight, and the separation was confirmed quietly, respecting their privacy.
2. Who is Matt Hancock CEO?
Matt Hancock does not currently serve as a CEO of any major corporation. However, he has been involved in advisory and business roles, including a 20% stake in Topwood Limited, a company focused on secure document storage and scanning. His post-political career also includes media appearances, speaking engagements, and consultancy work, which function similarly to executive-level involvement in strategic planning and business.
3. What was John Hancock’s net worth?
John Hancock, a historical figure and American patriot, is often associated with the Declaration of Independence. Exact figures for his net worth during his lifetime (1737–1793) are hard to determine, but he was one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts at the time, owning substantial land and mercantile holdings.
4. What is the net worth of Hancock Whitney?
Hancock Whitney is a prominent U.S.-based bank, and its net worth cannot be directly compared to an individual’s wealth. As of 2025, the bank has assets exceeding $60 billion and operates across multiple states, making it a significant financial institution in the United States.
5. How did Matt Hancock build his net worth?
Hancock’s wealth grew through a combination of:
- Political salary as MP and Health Secretary
- Media appearances on shows like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
- Book deals including royalties from Pandemic Diaries
- Speaking engagements and consultancy fees
- Business investments, such as his stake in Topwood Limited
6. Is Matt Hancock still involved in politics?
As of 2024–2025, Hancock stepped back from frontline politics and did not seek re-election as MP for West Suffolk. He focuses on media, business, and charitable engagements while occasionally commenting on public health and political matters.
7. How does Matt Hancock compare to other UK politicians in wealth?
With a net worth of around £5 million, Hancock is wealthier than the average MP, especially when considering his media and post-political ventures. However, his wealth is modest compared to long-retired politicians who leveraged both private sector roles and pensions over decades.
