Matt Hancock more Alan Partridge than former Cabinet Secretary, leading expert on spoken body language

Judi James hinted that former Health Secretary Matt Hancock looked embarrassed and defensive as he was put in place in his latest podcast interview

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Matt Hancock says he broke Covid guidelines after he ‘fallen in love’

Matt Hancock is more like Alan Partridge than a powerful political figure in his latest appearance, says a leading expert on body language.

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock spoke in a lengthy interview with Diary of a CEO audio file.

The former Cabinet minister was forced to resign last year after leaked CCTV showed him flirting with adviser Gina Coladangelo in his Whitehall office.

Hancock has said that he broke his own Covid guidelines because he “fell in love” with his aide – and managed to get over that side of the story.

But Judi James, the television’s body language expert, dissected his chat on the show, which has also been streamed.

Wearing a navy blue polo collar, Tory sunbaenim spoke at length about the incident after being arrested when social gatherings of people from different households are prohibited by law.

But Judi, he exudes a comedic vibe, said: “The body language in this clip makes Hancock look more like ‘Diary of an Executive’ and more than ‘Diary of a sly kid’ ‘.

“Children like clapping and folding arms; squirming and snorting when he can’t seem to find an answer.

“Plus he chose the chic Alan Partridge for his style, it all makes this sound like a clip from a classic comedy show until you see it’s a former Cabinet Secretary who you are watching.

“I assume this is Hancock’s attempt to ‘be who he is’ after he’s shown more ministry in his cabinet days and there may be some hope from his team that Matt is ‘real’. ‘ may be more endearing, but the more emotional expressions here suggest that the rest of the interview may have been asked to watch for the wrong reasons.”

She added: “His body language doesn’t suggest composure and maturity with a hint of egotism or even wicked humor thrown in, it makes him look overwhelmed emotional and defensive side when placed in place.

“He’s not facing Paxman at the height of his investigation here and the questions sound reasonable, but Hancock’s high-handed gestures and belligerent tone make it seem like he hasn’t understood her career yet. How am I?”

Mr Hancock left his wife and children to begin a relationship with Ms. Coladangelo, who is also married with children.

The interview was mocked online as he presented his point of view.

“We fell in love and it was completely out of my control,” he said.

“Of course I regret the pain that has been caused and the very, very public nature – anyone who has been through this knows how difficult it is, how painful it is.”

He continued: “I resigned because at that time I broke the principles of social distancing. They are not really the rule. They are not the law. But that’s not the problem.

“The point is that they were the guidelines I suggested. And that happened because I fell in love with someone.”

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