Gina Coladangelo, born in August 1977 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, is a British communications strategist with Italian and English roots. She studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University, where she first met Matt Hancock, a connection that would later shape her public profile. With a strong career in PR, she became a partner at Luther Pendragon before serving as Marketing and Communications Director at Oliver Bonas. Her expertise in strategy and branding earned her recognition in business circles. However, her role as an adviser at the UK Department of Health during the pandemic brought her into the political spotlight. Today, Gina Coladangelo remains notable for her career achievements, her personal life with Hancock, and her continued media presence.
Gina Coladangelo Origin
Gina Coladangelo comes from a mixed heritage background. Her father, Rino, is Italian, and her mother, Heather, is English. This Italian-English origin influenced her upbringing, giving her a multicultural perspective early in life. She attended Oxford University, where she studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)—a course often linked to political and media success in the UK. It was here that she first met Matt Hancock, a friendship that would later become central to her life story.
Career Beginnings in PR and Communications
After university, Gina Coladangelo entered the world of communications. She joined Munro and Forster, where she honed her skills in campaign strategy. In 2002, she became part of Luther Pendragon, one of London’s leading PR firms, where she quickly rose through the ranks. By 2005, she was a partner at the agency and later led a management buyout. Her experience here positioned her as a respected voice in public affairs and corporate communications.
Her Role at Oliver Bonas and PR Influence
Outside her political connections, Gina Coladangelo played a significant role in retail branding. She joined Oliver Bonas, the lifestyle retailer founded by her then-husband, Oliver Tress. At Oliver Bonas, she worked as Marketing and Communications Director, where her expertise helped the brand grow in recognition. This role solidified her reputation as someone who could blend business, branding, and media influence effectively.
The Leap into Politics: Advisory Role in DHSC
In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, Gina Coladangelo was appointed as an unpaid adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), headed by Matt Hancock. Shortly afterward, she was promoted to non-executive director, a role with a £15,000 salary. Her appointment raised eyebrows due to her personal connection with Hancock. Critics questioned whether it was an example of cronyism, but Coladangelo insisted her focus was on supporting the nation during one of its toughest health crises.
The Matt Hancock Affair: A Turning Point
The defining moment in Gina Coladangelo’s public journey came in June 2021, when leaked CCTV footage showed her kissing Matt Hancock in his ministerial office. This revelation was explosive because it exposed the pair violating COVID-19 social distancing rules that Hancock himself had publicly endorsed. The story immediately dominated headlines, turning Gina Coladangelo into a household name overnight—not for her career achievements but for her involvement in a scandal.
Public Outrage and Resignation
The fallout was swift. Matt Hancock resigned as Health Secretary, admitting that he had let people down. Shortly afterward, Gina Coladangelo also stepped down from her government position. The scandal fueled widespread anger, not just because of the affair itself, but because it highlighted hypocrisy in leadership during a time when the public was under strict restrictions.
Where is Gina Coladangelo Now?
A major question people continue to ask is: “Where is Gina Coladangelo now?” After stepping out of the political spotlight, she has maintained a relatively private life. Reports suggest she still works in strategic communications while focusing on her family. Though less visible in media, Gina Coladangelo occasionally appears alongside Matt Hancock at public events, keeping her name in the headlines.
Gina Coladangelo and Matt Hancock: Are They Still Together?
One of the most searched queries is: “Are Gina Coladangelo and Matt Hancock still together?” Despite the storm, the two appear to have remained a couple. Both separated from their previous partners after the affair was made public, and they continue to be seen together at events and in the media. Their relationship has evolved into a topic of curiosity, symbolizing resilience in the face of intense public criticism.
Gina Coladangelo Latest News and Media Coverage
The latest news about Gina Coladangelo often revolves around her connection to Hancock. She was seen supporting him during his controversial appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022, where she traveled to Australia to greet him. This public show of support reignited media interest in her life, reinforcing her position in the spotlight long after the initial scandal.
Public Image and Lessons from Her Story
The case of Gina Coladangelo is not just about scandal—it is also about public perception, power, and media narratives. Her story shows how a successful PR strategist can quickly become the subject of PR crises herself. It also raises questions about ethics in leadership, transparency in government appointments, and the human side of political figures.
Conclusion
Gina Coladangelo’s journey reflects a dramatic shift from being a behind-the-scenes strategist to a central figure in Britain’s most talked-about political scandal. From her origin in Hertfordshire, her rise in the PR world, and her high-profile role at Oliver Bonas, to her controversial role in politics, her name now carries multiple associations: strategist, partner, and symbol of political controversy. Whether she steps back fully into privacy or continues supporting Matt Hancock in public life, Gina Coladangelo’s story will remain a case study in how quickly reputations can change in the public eye.
