Introduction

Often described as both elegant and accomplished, Gina Coladangelo rose from the quiet confidence of Oxford’s student radio to the very eye of a political storm. Today, she is known as a marketing and communications expert whose involvement in one of the UK’s most high-profile political scandals continues to captivate public and media attention.

Early Life & Career Beginnings

Born to an Italian father with a background in pharmaceuticals and a mother who was a florist in Hertfordshire, Gina grew up in privilege and privilege-shaped ambition. Her family’s involvement in healthcare—her father held senior roles within the Royal College of Physicians and NHS—would inform her later professional pursuits The Standard.

She first met Matt Hancock at Oxford, where they both studied PPE and were active on the student radio. While she read the news, Hancock handled sports—a pairing that laid the foundation for a decades-long friendship The StandardSky News.

Business Acumen and Communications Expertise

Fast-forward: Coladangelo built a successful career as Marketing & Communications Director at Oliver Bonas, a lifestyle brand founded by her then-husband, Oliver Tress iNewsSky News. She also held a prominent role at Luther Pendragon, one of London’s most influential communications consultancies iNewsSky News.

Her portfolio expanded further when she joined the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)—first as an unpaid adviser in March 2020, then as a £15,000-a-year non-executive director—positions that would soon place her in the political spotlight iNewsSky News.

The Storm: Affair, Resignation & Fallout

In June 2021, The Sun released CCTV images of Gina and Hancock kissing inside the DHSC—breaking his own COVID-19 guidelines. The scandal prompted Hancock’s resignation, and Coladangelo similarly stepped down shortly thereafter iNewsThe IndependentSky News.

Media scrutiny deepened when it emerged that she had received a parliamentary pass, and that a relative—her brother—held a senior position at a company with NHS contracts, raising concerns of potential conflicts of interest The IndependentSky NewsReddit.

Political Maneuvering & Controversies

Investigations into the scandal revealed moments of political damage control: during a parliamentary inquiry, the wording of answers about her attendance at G7 dinners was revised multiple times to downplay Hancock’s involvement, eventually distilling her role to being part of the UK delegation—language crafted post-resignation Reddit.

Public discourse on Reddit reflected widespread disillusionment. As one user remarked:

“Ignoring processes/customs/laws… seems like standard practice for the current shower of criminals” Reddit.

Life After Scandal

Despite the public backlash, the couple remained visible together post-scandal. Notably, she flew to Australia to meet Hancock after his appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, supporting his controversial public rebranding The IndependentBusiness Insider India.

Since the affair broke, Gina and Oliver Tress have separated, ending a long marriage with three children iNewsThe Independent.

Why Gina Coladangelo Still Matters

• Oxford to Whitehall: A journey from elite academia and media to key advisory roles in government.

• Scandal & Influence: Her appointment without formal process, and involvement in a national uproar, highlights issues of transparency and favoritism.

• Public Redemption & Resilience: Remaining alongside Hancock, even amid scandal, showcases her personal resilience—even as public trust remains divided.

Conclusion

Gina Coladangelo remains a compelling figure in modern British media and politics—at once accomplished, polarizing, and emblematic of power’s fragility. Whether your interest lies in political ethics, PR careers, or Whitehall intrigue, her story proves both cautionary and captivating.