Matt Hancock & the dysfunctions of our political system

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been a controversial figure in politics in recent years. Hancock originally resigned from his role after the press exposed his affair with his aide during lockdown. The affair was received with outrage by the public who were advised by the former Health Secretary to not hug or engage in any physical contact with individuals from outside one’s home at the time, highlighting a disregard for rules that he implemented. Additionally, Hancock was involved in the ‘Partygate’ scandal concerning illegal parties carried out by government officials during lockdown, contradicting the government guidance given.

Most recently, Hancock caused further controversy for his decision to travel to Australia for three weeks to appear on ‘I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here!’ whilst Parliament was in session. Hancock’s disregard for his responsibility to his constituents and disregard for government guidance highlights important dysfunctions in the political system, such as issues with the First Past the Post electoral system and Conservative sleaze which could potentially lead to a participation crisis.

Hancock’s false sense of unaccountability highlights the issues with the First Past the Post voting system. First Past the Post is a plurality system used in general elections to elect a representative for each of the 650 constituencies. A strength of this system is that it means there is a clear Member of Parliament (MP)-constituency link, in theory, there is clear accountability for politicians and constituents are able to contact their MP with concerns. However, this system is undoubtedly flawed due to the predictability of elections and creation of safe seats. Safe seats are used to describe constituencies where it is certain the same party will win. In 2019 the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) predicted 316/316 safe seats correctly. Additionally, the ERS predicted that 71% of votes were wasted in 2019. The existence of safe seats means votes are not of equal value and undermines the accountability of MPs who govern these areas as there is less concern over their re-election.

West Suffolk has been a Conservative seat since its creation in 1997, with its current

MP being Hancock; a prime example of an MP becoming too secure with their parliamentary constituency. In November 2022, Hancock announced he would be appearing on the reality show ‘I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here!’. Perhaps if Hancock held a marginal seat, he would have put his constituents first over a reality show, which he allegedly received £400k to appear on. The news was received with disgust from West Suffolk constituents due to the clear lack of concern for his constituency whilst he jetted off to Australia, demonstrated by the petition which gained 45,000 signatures demanding to pull him from the jungle. Hancock’s ability to leave Parliament for three weeks completely cut off from contact with the outside world emphasises his sense of security in his job. Arguably if his seat was considered unsafe and there would be a threat he would not be re-elected he may have acted differently. Whilst Hancock has stated he will step down in the next election, his initial choice to appear on the show stresses how he feels unanswerable to his constituents.

Hancock’s affair, his involvement in ‘Partygate’ and his appearance on ‘I’m A Celeb’ are not the only examples of scandal the Conservative Party has faced in recent years. The Party has become ‘mired in sleaze’ says Justice Minister Ellie Reeves. Hancock’s affair and ‘I’m a Celeb’ appearance are two of many events undermining the integrity of the Conservative Party. In July 2020, Charlie Elphike was found guilty on three counts of sexual assault less than a year after resigning as MP for Dover. Additionally, in April 2020 Ahmed

Kahn resigned after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy after providing him with alcohol at a party in 2008. Furthermore, Neil Parish resigned in 2022 after admitting he watched pornography twice in the House of Commons. The plethora of scandals amongst the Conservative Party gives the impression to the public that the party is riddled with dishonesty. The leading party appearing to be so dishonourable undermines the integrity of Parliament and discourages the public from trusting politicians which threatens the authority of political leaders’ decisions.

The greatest danger of the unaccountability of politicians and abundance of scandal within the government is that it leads to a distrust of politicians amongst the public. The Office of National Statistics stated in July 2022 that only 35% of the population trusts the Government. As a result, the public feel less of an obligation to engage in a system that they feel so disregarded by. Furthermore, this damages the legitimacy of the Government and their authority. The inability to be transparent and truthful with the public distances politicians from normal citizens, making them feel less cared for.

Overall, Matt Hancock’s scandals shed light on the much greater political issue of the unaccountability of politicians. More measures must be taken, stricter consequences are necessary for politicians who disobey the rules, and a rebranding of the Conservative Party is necessary to move away from its damaged reputation.