Matt Hancock has rarely been far from the headlines in recent years. Once best known as the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care during the Covid-19 pandemic, he later became a household name for his high-profile television appearances. As the public’s curiosity about his finances grows, many are asking: what is Matt Hancock’s net worth in 2025, and how did he build it?
Early Career and Political Rise
Born in 1978, Matt Hancock started his professional life as an economist at the Bank of England before moving into politics as an adviser to George Osborne. He was elected as the Conservative MP for West Suffolk in 2010, a seat he held until 2024. Over the years, Hancock climbed the political ladder, serving in several ministerial roles, including Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and later, Health and Social Care.
His time in government, especially during the pandemic, put him at the centre of national debate. While his political career provided a steady income, it was his ventures outside Parliament that significantly boosted his wealth.
Parliamentary Salary and Expenses
As an MP, Hancock received a basic annual salary. In 2024, this stood at £91,346, with additional allowances and expenses claimed for parliamentary duties. During his time as a Cabinet minister, he earned an extra £71,000 on top of his MP salary. Even after losing the Conservative whip in 2022, Hancock continued to draw his MP’s salary as an independent.
Official records show he claimed £40,253 in expenses in the 2023/24 financial year, although in previous years his expenses exceeded £200,000. These figures reflect the standard entitlements for MPs, covering office costs, staff, and constituency work.
Television Appearances and Public Profile
Hancock’s net worth received a major boost after he left frontline politics. In 2022, he joined the cast of ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”, a move that drew both criticism and fascination. Reports suggest he was paid between £320,000 and £400,000 for his 18-day appearance on the show, making him one of the highest-paid contestants in its history. He donated £10,000 of this fee to charity, specifically St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk, and pledged to declare the full amount to Parliament for transparency.
Shortly before his jungle stint, Hancock also appeared on “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins,” earning a further £45,000 for his participation. These television appearances not only increased his earnings but also transformed his public image, allowing him to reach audiences beyond Westminster.
Writing, Speaking, and Other Ventures
In addition to his television work, Hancock has earned money from writing and speaking engagements. Between late 2021 and mid-2022, he received over £6,000 for articles published in national newspapers such as The Telegraph and the Daily Mail. He was also paid £10,000 for a breakfast television interview, which he declared in the MPs’ register of interests.
Hancock’s memoirs and book deals have the potential to further increase his wealth, although he has stated that royalties from his book about the pandemic will be donated to NHS charities. He also received £48,000 for an interview and the serialisation of his book in the Daily Mail.
Estimated Net Worth in 2025
Estimates of Matt Hancock’s net worth vary, but most credible sources place it at around £5 million as of 2025. This figure includes his political earnings, television fees, writing, and speaking engagements. His wealth has grown steadily, especially since stepping back from ministerial office and leveraging his public profile in the media.
While his MP salary formed the foundation of his income for over a decade, it is his recent ventures into reality TV and publishing that have set him apart from many of his parliamentary peers. For context, his “I’m a Celebrity” fee alone dwarfed his annual MP salary several times over.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Hancock’s financial dealings have not been without controversy. His decision to appear on reality TV while Parliament was in session led to his suspension from the Conservative Party and criticism from colleagues and constituents. He defended his actions by arguing that the exposure allowed him to reach people who might not otherwise engage with politics.
His time as Health Secretary also brought scrutiny over the awarding of government contracts during the pandemic. Investigations have raised questions about his involvement in fast-tracking contracts for PPE suppliers, but these issues relate more to government accountability than to his personal wealth.
Charitable Giving and Public Image
Despite the criticism, Hancock has made efforts to give back. He has donated portions of his television earnings to charity, including St Nicholas Hospice, and has raised money for good causes through events like the London Marathon. These gestures have been seen by some as attempts to repair his public image following a turbulent period in office.
