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Matt Hancock: Opens Up About His Affair, Mistakes & The Pandemic | E121
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This weeks episode entitled 'Matt Hancock: Opens Up About His Affair, Mistakes & The Pandemic' topics: 0:00 Intro 01:27 Why did you want to have this conversation here? 02:54 Your early years 05:41 Why did you get into politics and why would you want to? 19:17 How can you be the minister for all these different areas? 28:50 You running for Prime Minister 32:01 When covid hit 47:14 What was your life like at that time? 50:22 If you’d known a pandemic would roll in would you have taken the health secretary job? 51:24 The care home mistake 58:28 Isn’t our high number of deaths an indicator that wrong decisions were made? 01:09:55 The first vaccine - showing your emotions 01:23:30 The CCTV footage 01:34:36 The parties at number 10 01:35:49 Dominic Cummings 01:37:05 Your Dyslexia campaign 01:39:02 Do you feel like you’ve addressed what you wanted to from this conversation? 01:39:44 The last guest question Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsors: Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Craftd - https://bit.ly/3JKOPFx Myenergi - https://bit.ly/3oeWGnl
Segments Timeline
The Importance of Honest Conversations
Matt Hancock expresses his desire to have an open and honest conversation about his experiences, particularly during the pandemic. He appreciates the platform provided by the podcast for discussing both successes and failures, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and transparency in public discourse.
"one of the reasons i wanted to come in and talk to you was because i want to just talk freely how does that all feel for you personally that thought that one week earlier we could have saved 21 000 li..."
Growing Up in a Complicated Family
Hancock shares insights about his upbringing in a loving yet complicated family dynamic, having four parents due to his parents' separation. He reflects on how this shaped his perspective and emotional support system, highlighting the complexities of modern family structures.
"then please keep this to yourself [Music] matt i was really really keen to have you come and join me in my in my kitchen here in in london to talk in a long-term way about a ton of different things th..."
Navigating School Challenges
Matt recounts his transition to secondary school at a young age, detailing the challenges he faced academically and socially. He discusses the impact of being in a more competitive environment and how it influenced his drive and resilience, including experiences of bullying.
"yeah explain and why complicated well complicated because my parents separated when i was two and i effectively grew up with four parents so the both of them happily remarried before i can really reme..."
The Path to Politics
Hancock explains his initial interest in economics and business, which eventually led him to politics. He reflects on a pivotal moment during his teenage years when his mother's business faced financial difficulties, igniting his passion for understanding economic systems and their impact on people's lives.
"you went to yeah got into second year exactly and you studied politics philosophy and economics right which is a lot of a lot of people that go on to become politicians yeah study that course that see..."
The Elitism in Politics
The conversation shifts to the perceived elitism in politics, with Hancock acknowledging the privilege often associated with political leaders. He discusses the importance of empathy in politics and the need for diverse backgrounds to ensure representative decision-making.
"you do so i i sometimes wonder i'm like who are these people that like yeah want to be politicians so well thanks um the um but it's true right my experience as health secretary is as you get you know..."
Empathy as a Political Skill
Hancock emphasizes the critical role of empathy in politics, arguing that understanding different life experiences is essential for effective governance. He acknowledges the challenges of communicating empathy in a political context and the importance of connecting with constituents.
"one of the things that i've always contended with and is you know and honestly one of the things that actually quite quite honestly put me off ever going into politics was this prospect that it's kind..."
Encouraging Diverse Voices in Politics
The discussion concludes with Hancock encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to enter politics. He believes that true representation comes from those who have experienced different struggles, advocating for a political landscape that reflects the diversity of society.
"important i can't have empathy for what it's like to be a woman for example because i've never been one no that's not true you can have empathy for it but so yeah i can have empathy but i i i believe ..."
The Role of a Minister
Hancock explains the role of a minister in government, clarifying that it is not about being an expert in every area but rather representing the people among experts. He discusses the importance of listening to specialists while making democratic decisions that reflect the public's needs. Hancock emphasizes that a minister's job is to synthesize expert opinions and set the direction for policy.
"poster get involved i think the thing that always put me off is because when i heard about this like you know everyone's come you know a lot of politicians have come from a certain background and then..."
Navigating Political Expertise
In this segment, Hancock reflects on the challenges of being a minister responsible for multiple areas, such as digital policy and health. He discusses the necessity of understanding complex issues while also representing the public's interests. Hancock highlights the importance of balancing expert advice with the broader societal implications of policy decisions.
"know the guy who arrived age nine from uh kurdistan with only a his dad with only a pound in his pocket yeah right um sajid javid who grew up in one of the poorest streets in bristol and made it uh fr..."
The Importance of Representation
Hancock argues that the health secretary should represent the interests of patients rather than just healthcare professionals. He believes that having a non-doctor in this role allows for a more patient-centered approach to health policy. Hancock stresses the need for ministers to listen to clinical advice while ensuring that the decisions made reflect the needs of the public.
"uh of of being there so you you make the decision then to move towards politics you become eventually george osborne's chief of staff in two thousand and nineteen twenty nine and five-ish yeah yeah an..."
Democratic Decision-Making
In this segment, Hancock discusses the democratic nature of decision-making in politics, emphasizing that ministers must represent the people. He acknowledges the critique that politicians may lack deep expertise in specific areas but argues that their role is to synthesize expert advice and make balanced judgments that serve the public interest.
"start hiring people and i was asked to go and see her at 10 50. so i thought oh this isn't going to go very well i walked in and i was she'd been running about 15 minutes late so i walk in and there's..."
Balancing Expertise and Public Needs
Hancock elaborates on the balance between expert advice and public representation in policymaking. He discusses the importance of understanding the nuances of various issues while also being attuned to the needs of the general population. Hancock believes that effective leadership requires both technical knowledge and the ability to communicate complex ideas to the public.
"policy and just keep your head down and sort and um and sort that out and i i left it it was absolutely wonderful this is maybe a bit of my political naivety but when i when i was reading through that..."
The Role of Experts in Policy
In this segment, Hancock addresses the role of experts in shaping policy, particularly in the digital space. He acknowledges the challenges of ensuring that decisions made by politicians are informed by expert knowledge while also being mindful of the broader societal implications. Hancock emphasizes the need for ministers to engage with experts while maintaining a focus on the public's needs.
"direction it's let's talk about the leadership that's needed my background social media and i actually whenever i see like the social media policies being set i always the debate we have in social med..."
Navigating Digital Policy Challenges
Hancock discusses the complexities of digital policy and the importance of understanding the implications of decisions made in this area. He reflects on the challenges faced by politicians when engaging with technology companies and the need for informed decision-making. Hancock emphasizes the importance of balancing safety and freedom in the digital landscape.
"my thing is on a topic like digital the harm that can be done if someone doesn't understand that area of expertise because ultimately the minister makes the call yeah you can like destroy an industry ..."
The Intersection of Politics and Technology
In this segment, Hancock explores the intersection of politics and technology, particularly in relation to social media and data privacy. He critiques the lack of understanding among politicians regarding the complexities of these issues and the potential consequences of poorly informed legislation. Hancock advocates for a more informed approach to policymaking in the digital realm.
"um but the the job is to is to synthesize the expert view but not just not just follow it the experts can become so focused but also they can't sometimes provide the leadership right to say we we're g..."
The Need for Informed Leadership
Hancock concludes by emphasizing the need for informed leadership in politics, particularly in areas that intersect with technology. He argues that while democratic representation is crucial, it is equally important for leaders to have a deep understanding of the issues at hand. Hancock advocates for a political system that values expertise while remaining accountable to the public.
"represents um represents people is ultimately making the decision but if they're any good they'll listen to the advice that you get i think i think my view is that they should represent the people for..."
Understanding Patient Perspectives in Politics
Matt Hancock discusses the importance of having leaders in health who understand both the patient experience and the complexities of the healthcare system. He emphasizes the need for empathy and expertise in making informed decisions that affect public health.
"issues deeply enough to to know the full complexities and this is maybe even proving my point that i don't understand the nuance of politics so i can't actually say if that's a better or worse system ..."
The UK vs. US Political Systems
Hancock compares the UK political system with the US system, arguing that the integration of political and expert advice in the UK leads to better decision-making. He highlights the role of the civil service in ensuring that proposals are workable and informed by long-term expertise.
"i it's just an observation as like a naive outside yeah like look it's yeah it's quite a common um it's quite a common critique of politics um and different countries deal with it different ways right..."
A Fresh Start: Running for Prime Minister
Reflecting on his candidacy for Prime Minister, Hancock shares his motivations for seeking a fresh start in leadership. He candidly admits he didn't expect to win but aimed to raise important arguments about enterprise and economic prosperity.
"will never put forward a proposal that they don't think is workable that's that that's the deal right so you do have these long-term uh experts who have been in in the field um and they will uh they'l..."
The Role of Publicity in Politics
Hancock discusses the publicity aspect of running for office, comparing it to the US elections. He acknowledges that while he didn't expect to win, he aimed to make his arguments heard and influence the political discourse.
"at least you're honest yeah no but i i had fun trying um [Music] no i didn't i didn't think i'd win um but i wanted to get some i wanted to get some arguments made right i worried that my i worried th..."
The Onset of COVID-19
Hancock recounts the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, including his first awareness of the virus and the initial uncertainty surrounding its seriousness. He reflects on the challenges of preparing for a pandemic and the urgency of developing a vaccine.
"quite sort of loudly because i was running um and then um well and then i pulled out pulled out came seventh got behind boris was it mm-hmm did you come seventh out of ten was it six or seven yeah and..."
Realizing the Global Impact of COVID-19
As the pandemic unfolded, Hancock describes the moment he recognized the global implications of COVID-19, particularly after seeing alarming images from Italy. He shares insights into the government's response and the urgency of action.
"who i genuinely believe is going to help every single person who starts their heel journey change their life because this podcast the central intention of this podcast is to help people live better li..."
Building a Testing Regime
Hancock discusses the challenges faced in establishing a testing regime during the early stages of the pandemic. He highlights the lack of data and the difficulties in understanding the virus's characteristics and symptoms.
"health minister when a pandemic rolls in i know i remember i remember seeing the um the the chinese publication on the 1st of january so it's new year's day and i saw this thing on the inside pages of..."
The Importance of Accurate Data
Hancock emphasizes the critical need for accurate data in managing the pandemic. He recounts the initial optimism about the spread of the virus and the subsequent realization of the severity of the situation based on antibody surveys.
"yeah i kind of ran through all of that so when in your view did you start to realize that this wasn't just a of january so the chinese published the sequence of the genome of the of the virus so we th..."
The Frightening Reality of COVID-19 Deaths
Reflecting on the rising death toll from COVID-19, Hancock shares a personal moment of realization when he learned about the increasing number of deaths. He describes the emotional weight of the situation and the urgency of the government's response.
"month during february when nobody else was sort of thinking that this was a big thing and we still thought it was 50 50 but 50 chance of a global pandemic is you know very very bad and we were i remem..."
The Fear of Inaction
Hancock recalls the fear and uncertainty faced by the government as they implemented lockdown measures. He discusses the anxiety surrounding the effectiveness of their actions and the potential consequences of inaction.
"um i said how long will it take to get a vaccine he said well normally it would take five years but we think we can do it in a year to 18 months in january yeah if everything goes well and i said your..."
Navigating Unprecedented Decisions
In the face of an unprecedented pandemic, Hancock reflects on the difficult decisions made by the government. He discusses the balance between the costs of action and inaction, highlighting the challenges posed by limited data.
"yeah he's like this is it and it's like yeah this is it um so that was the end of yeah that was the end of february but still in march there was a lot of confusion in those stage minutes about what to..."
The Decision-Making Dilemma
Matt Hancock reflects on the critical decisions made during the early days of the pandemic, highlighting the confusion and indecision that plagued the UK government. He discusses the challenges of understanding the virus's transmission speed and the balance between action and inaction, emphasizing the weight of responsibility on leaders during such unprecedented times.
"every lever and it was a um and so the next two weeks as the numbers carried on going up they carried on going up for about 10 days because of the incubation period that was that was that was really s..."
Hindsight and Regret
In this segment, Hancock candidly addresses the painful reality of hindsight in decision-making during the pandemic. He acknowledges the heavy toll of decisions made and the emotional burden of knowing that earlier actions could have saved lives, illustrating the complex nature of leadership in a crisis.
"to them than than than we were being than the best estimate right by these by the best people who were in sage there's the scientists and you know what it felt like was this is an enormous call so the..."
Public Response to Lockdown
Hancock shares insights on the public's reaction to lockdown measures, noting the initial skepticism about compliance. He praises the public's resilience and adaptability, contrasting it with the government's concerns about enforcing restrictions, and reflects on the lessons learned from other countries' experiences.
"that would come from from delay and the other thing that we didn't know was how the public would react right and this is there there's an optimistic story which is the public were amazing you know and..."
The Weight of Responsibility
Matt Hancock discusses the immense pressure he felt as Health Secretary during the pandemic, grappling with the life-and-death nature of his decisions. He describes his daily routine and the mental toll of leading during such a critical time, emphasizing the sense of duty that drove him to continue despite the challenges.
"how does that how does that sound and feel and also around that time boris johnson goes and does that interview and references one of the options being taken on the chin and then in hindsight how does..."
Mistakes in Pandemic Response
In this segment, Hancock addresses specific mistakes made during the pandemic response, particularly regarding funeral restrictions and the emotional impact of those decisions. He reflects on the need for adaptability and learning from unprecedented challenges, sharing a poignant example of a young boy's funeral that highlighted the harsh realities of the rules.
"we're playing games of hindsight now which are as they say it's 2020 but what are when you look back honestly at the decisions that were made and how you got the data and the way that the meetings wer..."
Life During the Pandemic
Hancock provides a glimpse into his personal life during the pandemic, detailing his daily routine and the relentless pace of work. He discusses the importance of maintaining focus and the sense of mission that drove him and his team, while also acknowledging the toll it took on their mental health.
"okay what do we need to be doing differently because it was unprecedented and there was a um and you know in hindsight some of it looks like these were sort of hard and fast and obvious decisions they..."
Coping with Anxiety
In this candid discussion, Hancock opens up about the anxiety that accompanied his role during the pandemic. He distinguishes between situational anxiety and crippling anxiety, sharing how he managed to stay motivated and focused on his responsibilities despite the overwhelming pressure.
"during that what about your mental health position because i yeah you know because that feeling that going home every day without feeling that my decisions could sway as we saw negatively in this case..."
Taking the Health Secretary Role
Hancock reflects on whether he would have accepted the Health Secretary position had he known a pandemic was imminent. He emphasizes the sense of duty that compelled him to take on the role, acknowledging the challenges while expressing a commitment to making tough decisions in times of crisis.
"um was very very strong in that period did you have anxiety it depends what you mean by anxiety of course i was anxious about every you know all these big decisions about that awful sense of nervousne..."
The Care Home Controversy
In this segment, Hancock addresses the criticism surrounding the government's handling of care homes during the pandemic. He clarifies misconceptions about hospital discharges to care homes and discusses the real factors contributing to the high death rates, emphasizing the need for accurate narratives and lessons learned for future preparedness.
"do you know what the the overriding stats is um that i'm trying to articulate not particularly well is a sense of this sense of duty right when the really bad stuff happens and and you're in the job y..."
Understanding Vulnerability
Hancock explains why elderly residents in care homes were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. He discusses the unique vulnerabilities of this population and the challenges of managing outbreaks in such settings, while also acknowledging the mistakes made in policy decisions.
"because there's lots of reasons for that you've got to unpack it so firstly it is the most vulnerable people who live in care homes so their their vulnerability to the disease is much greater secondly..."
Hindsight and Decision Making
Reflecting on the decisions made during the pandemic, Hancock admits that with hindsight, he would have implemented certain policies, like restricting staff movement between care homes, much earlier. He emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes to improve future responses.
"other countries did get that you know the other thing we were worried about so we were worried about a different problem that didn't happen and sometimes this you know it's important to think about at..."
The Impact of Early Decisions
Hancock discusses the high death toll in the UK during the first wave of the pandemic and whether it indicates poor decision-making. He acknowledges the need for improvement while also considering external factors that contributed to the situation.
"mistake in hindsight because you you as you say you were trying to make the best decision on balance yeah right i i know i know for sure and that would you've done differently but yeah what so on this..."
Learning from the First Wave
In this segment, Hancock reflects on the lessons learned from the first wave of COVID-19. He discusses the importance of evaluating decisions and adapting strategies, highlighting improvements made in subsequent waves and the need for a culture of learning within leadership.
"we would have brought in the staff movement rule much earlier in fact do you know what you should probably have it in normal times as well because lots of people die each year in fluent care homes and..."
Communication Challenges
Hancock addresses the difficulties of communicating effectively during a crisis. He explains how political messaging can be misinterpreted and the importance of clear communication in managing public health responses.
"the time and this is true in any organization i've been in is that if you want people to perform at their best they have to know that if they screw up they're not going to get shouted at the question ..."
The Vaccine Strategy
Hancock shares his belief in the eventual development of a COVID-19 vaccine and the strategic decisions made to prepare for it. He discusses the shift in focus towards vaccine development as a solution to the pandemic.
"meant by uh gotcha is that you know the the question of um will you get the guy to say he that was x screw up is a classic of the today program i i base i might and actually frankly makes some of the ..."
Navigating Uncertainty
In this segment, Hancock reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and the need for decisive action. He discusses the balance between protecting public health and managing the economy during the crisis.
"and it's true that sometimes yeah in number 10 he was basically the only other person who agreed with me why did he say the take on the chin thing um because i use that he was i i remember that he was..."
The Role of Leadership
Hancock emphasizes the importance of leadership in crisis management. He discusses how effective leaders must foster an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures.
"you know boris saying that um some people say we should just wha i can't remember the exact words but i don't think that's the way we should do it instead we should do it that way it was written up as..."
The Path to Vaccination
Hancock outlines the timeline and strategy for vaccine development during the pandemic. He discusses the collaborative efforts to secure vaccines and the shift in policy focus towards vaccination as a means to control the virus.
"one way out and that was a vaccine and you know i believe in the power of human ingenuity and i believed in the team in oxford um and i also thought that when the whole world is searching for somethin..."
Navigating Misinformation
Hancock reflects on the challenges of dealing with misinformation during the pandemic. He shares an example of a false narrative regarding a contract awarded to a friend, illustrating how conspiracy theories proliferated during this stressful time and the impact of social media and mainstream media on public perception.
"a running joke that there's only one person who thinks the vaccine's gonna happen and and and partly to try to stop some of the complications that had happened in testing i'd report i just spoke direc..."
The Emotional Weight of the Vaccine Rollout
Hancock recounts the emotional moment when the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered. He describes the mix of joy and sorrow he felt, knowing that while the vaccine represented hope, the pandemic was still claiming lives. This segment highlights the human side of political decision-making during a crisis.
"crafted customer i think for about three years now and all of the pieces that craft that have created have deeper meaning the piece of jewelry i wear the most i want to introduce you to the pieces and..."
Crying on Live TV
In this segment, Hancock opens up about his emotional reaction during a live television interview after the first vaccine was administered. He discusses the backlash he faced for appearing 'inauthentic' and reflects on the pressure politicians face to maintain composure while expressing genuine emotions.
"british renewable ecosmart technology and their products are really really changing the game if you're on youtube you can see what i'm holding in my hand this is called the eddie right it's the uk's n..."
Empathy in Politics
Hancock addresses the perception of him as an 'emotionless robot' and discusses the importance of showing empathy as a politician. He contrasts his experiences with those of other leaders, like Barack Obama, who have effectively communicated their emotions, and emphasizes the need for politicians to connect with the public on a human level.
"things properly and how narratives can sort of spin out of control and this is true on social media and which you're a great expert in but it's also true in the mainstream media so for some reason tha..."
The Impact of Media on Political Communication
Hancock reflects on how media scrutiny affects political communication. He shares insights on how aggressive questioning can lead politicians to respond with rehearsed answers rather than genuine feelings, highlighting the need for a more authentic approach to political discourse.
"was a subcontractor to another business so there's no way that we i mean it's just a total it's a total nonsense and so in in a stressed period like a pandemic a lot of conspiracy theories got going t..."
Breaking Through Political Barriers
In this segment, Hancock discusses the barriers that exist in political communication and the importance of breaking through them to connect with the public. He shares anecdotes about his experiences and the lessons he has learned about being open and sincere in his interactions.
"below where i was okay um operating there was in 2000 may 2021 there was there's some minor inadvertent breach because you held shares in a firm that had got a contract no no so that's not true either..."
Lessons from Political Experience
Hancock shares a personal story about his early days in parliament and the importance of being relatable as a politician. He reflects on how informal interactions can lead to more genuine communication and the need for politicians to resonate with everyday people.
"trying to contract for business it's just all total rubbish i mean you can't there is no other description of it on the eighth i think it was the eighth of december it was yeah where that that first v..."
The Challenge of Political Communication
Matt Hancock discusses the disconnect between politicians and the public, emphasizing the need for genuine empathy in political discourse. He reflects on how political training often leads to inauthentic communication, contrasting his experiences with those of other politicians like Nigel Farage and Barack Obama, who resonate more with the public due to their relatable communication styles.
"actually not just you it's generally like the politics as as a whole i'm like what i see in normal people is real empathy and you're not you're not the other thing is it's language yeah when you when ..."
Navigating Personal Relationships in Politics
Hancock opens up about his personal life during the pandemic, specifically addressing the guidance he provided regarding relationships. He acknowledges the contradiction between his public statements and personal actions, revealing the emotional turmoil of falling in love during a time of strict social distancing guidelines.
"that the the people that are really going to resonate with the public are going to be the normal people that break through without political pr training yeah i think they'll resonate way more with peo..."
The Fallout of Public Scrutiny
In this segment, Hancock reflects on the public and media scrutiny he faced after the CCTV footage leak. He discusses the emotional impact of the situation, the challenges of managing a public divorce, and the responsibility he took for breaking social distancing guidelines, ultimately leading to his resignation.
"because um he because he's one of the few people who who ca who really just um will withstand the sort of criticism of the of the next day's press in order to try to actually say how he feels he's a v..."
Taking Responsibility for Mistakes
Hancock addresses the criticism he received for his actions during the pandemic, particularly regarding the guidance he provided as Health Secretary. He emphasizes the importance of accountability and shares his feelings about the pain caused by his decisions, while also expressing love for his partner, Gina.
"you have to go no okay so um those rules yeah were not in place that was that was advice on tv yeah but those rules were not in place when this all this happened so there's a way that we can do this b..."
The Emotional Toll of Public Life
Hancock shares the difficulties of managing a public persona while dealing with personal challenges, including his divorce and the impact on his children. He reflects on the emotional strain of being in the public eye during such a tumultuous time and how love has helped him cope.
"the central thing yeah and this is ultimately why you resigned that is my absolute that is my response so i resigned because i broke the social distancing guidelines yeah um by then they weren't actua..."
The Impact of Media on Personal Life
In this segment, Hancock discusses the media's role in his personal life, particularly regarding the leak of CCTV footage. He expresses his feelings about the breach of privacy and the emotional pain it caused, while also acknowledging the lessons learned about data protection and public scrutiny.
"painful and um but but you know i fell in love with someone you did you fall in love while working together yeah okay so you know nobody you know we we it all happened quite it all happened quite quic..."
Reflections on Leadership and Accountability
Hancock reflects on his resignation and the reasons behind it, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. He discusses the pressures of leadership during a crisis and the need for politicians to be accountable to the public, especially in light of the pandemic.
"mean anybody knows anybody knows how difficult it is it you know ending up ending a relationship um and we have six children you know it's it it's tough but you know um gina and i love each other very..."
Moving Forward After Controversy
Hancock shares his thoughts on moving forward after the controversies surrounding his tenure as Health Secretary. He discusses his current state of mind, the importance of personal relationships, and how he is finding joy and purpose outside of frontline politics.
"cabinet learned immediately is why did you have a cctv in the secretary of state's office obviously i didn't know about it um and because even who's in the office is a is a is an important fact and a ..."
The Bigger Picture in Politics
In this concluding segment, Hancock addresses the ongoing political landscape, including the challenges faced by current leaders. He reflects on the importance of focusing on the broader context of governance and the need for integrity in political communication, drawing parallels to his own experiences.
"would you class that as the the worst time of your life being health secretary is not nearly as difficult as worrying about your children in a very public divorce um undoubtedly this you know going th..."
Dominic Cummings and the Ventilator Controversy
Hancock addresses the critical text messages from Dominic Cummings regarding his handling of ventilators during the pandemic. He explains the context behind these messages, emphasizing that Cummings was attempting to undermine him and that the Prime Minister's responses were made in a private setting.
"difficult um but i do think you've got to look at the big picture of you know we're coming out of the pandemic now and that's in part in large part because of the the big calls but you resigned when w..."
Championing Dyslexia Awareness
Matt Hancock shares his personal journey with dyslexia, having been diagnosed at university. He highlights the importance of early identification in schools and advocates for better support for dyslexic children, aiming to improve their self-esteem and educational outcomes.
"critical of you where boris said that you you [ __ ] up ventilators and that you're totally [ __ ] hopeless yeah but remember at that time it's subsequently transcribed that dominic cummings was tryin..."
Unfinished Business: A Personal Mission
Hancock expresses his commitment to addressing dyslexia as unfinished business from his time in government. He emphasizes the need for systemic changes to ensure that every dyslexic child receives the support they need to succeed, reflecting on the importance of his platform in Parliament.
"personal to you so so i was only identified as dyslexic at university and i know despite really good teachers it would have been so much easier for me because before i was identified i just thought i ..."
Life Goals: Happiness and Impact
In a reflective moment, Hancock shares his three life goals, prioritizing the happiness and fulfillment of his children, maintaining a loving relationship, and making a positive impact on the country, particularly for dyslexic children. He underscores the significance of his role in effecting change.
"loads of progress when you when we talked about you having this conversation with me here there was i remember you saying there was things that had been said that you wanted to kind of have a chance t..."
Gratitude for Open Conversations
Hancock expresses gratitude for the opportunity to have an open and unrestricted conversation about his experiences and challenges. He acknowledges the importance of emotional relatability in politics and thanks the host for allowing him to share his perspective candidly.
"to have achieved in your life pretty ambitious um the number one is i want my children to be happy and and and have fulfilling lives that is that is undoubtedly number one the second is that i will ha..."