UK health secretary resigns after kissing aide in breach of social distancing rules

Matt Hancock has resigned as UK health secretary after he breached social distancing rules.

Hancock has been under attack after he was captured kissing an aide in breach of COVID-19 guidelines.

He announced his resignation in a letter to the UK prime minister, admitting that he has “let people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic down”.

British media had published pictures and video of Hancock, who is married, kissing Gina Coladangelo, one of his aides.

The UK Sun said the pictures were taken inside the Department of Health on May 6.

He had apologised, saying, “I accept that I breached the social distancing guidance in these circumstances”.

“I have let people down and am very sorry. I remain focused on working to get the country out of this pandemic, and would be grateful for privacy for my family on this personal matter,” he had said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had considered the matter “closed” after his apology, but calls for his resignation continued to grow.

Some members of parliament including Duncan Baker and Christopher Chope also said he should be relieved of his duty.

In his letter of resignation, Hancock said: “The last thing I would want is for my private life to distract attention from the single-minded focus that is leading us out of this crisis.

I want to reiterate my apology for breaking the guidance, and apologise to my family and loved ones for putting them through this. I also need (to) be with my children at this time.”