MATT Hancock has said that those issued with fines in the aftermath of the partygate scandal should not have to resign for breaking Covid rules.
Hancock resigned from his position as Health Secretary after being caught on CCTV breaking the UK Government's then social distancing rules by kissing his aide Gina Coladangelo.
Hancock has said that he stood down from his position because breaking Covid rules in the course of his affair with Coladangelo had been a “failure of leadership”.
However, in an interview with Channel 4 on Wednesday, the former Health Secretary said that those who had broken Covid rules in Downing street - and are issued fines for their breaches - should not have to resign.
“You’ve got to look at these things in the round.”
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 30, 2022
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells Matt Frei that those fined for Downing Street and White Hall parties should not resign - despite having to resign after he was found to have breached Covid rules. pic.twitter.com/pUAobcd90P
He said: “You’ve got to look at these things in the round and we’re in a situation where there is a war in Europe and the Prime Minister is providing leadership not just for this country but frankly for the effort of the West against Vladimir Putin.”
When asked if it was ok to break the law in a time of war, even one the UK is not directly involved in, Hancock said: “What I’d say is that the Prime Minister has apologised. He’s also made changes in Downing Street.”
READ MORE: Douglas Ross on 'borrowed time' for saying PM should stay if he broke law
The Metropolitan Police has said it is issuing 20 fixed penalty notices as a result of the Partygate scandal. However, Downing Street will only disclose if Boris Johnson or his Cabinet Secretary Simon Case have been given fines.
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