[bitontheslide]

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been given a role with the United Nations as a special representative.

Writing on Twitter, the ex-minister said the job would focus on helping Africa's economy recover from Covid.

It comes four months after Mr Hancock resigned from his cabinet post for breaking social distancing guidelines by kissing a colleague.

The Under Secretary General of the UN, Vera Songwe, praised his "success" in tackling the UK's pandemic response.

In a letter posted online by Mr Hancock, Ms Songwe said the "acceleration of vaccines that has led the UK move faster towards economic recovery is one testament to the strengths that you will bring to this role, together with your fiscal and monetary experience".

The announcement also comes on the day a report from MPs was published, claiming the government and its scientists' failure to do more to stop Covid spreading early in the pandemic was one of the country's worst public health failures.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58890485

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[Oliver_W]

Saudi Arabia was on a Woman's Panel in the UN ... They're idiots.

[joeysteele]

Unbelievable, special representative indeed.

[bitontheslide]

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has had a job offer from the United Nations withdrawn.

Mr Hancock announced this week that he had been given a role helping Africa's economy recover from Covid.

The UN said he would bring valuable experience - but Mr Hancock now says a rule has come to light that prevents him from taking the job while an MP.

Leading figures across Africa and UK opposition parties had criticised the UN's choice of the MP for the role.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58940128

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[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has had a job offer from the United Nations withdrawn.

Mr Hancock announced this week that he had been given a role helping Africa's economy recover from Covid.

The UN said he would bring valuable experience - but Mr Hancock now says a rule has come to light that prevents him from taking the job while an MP.

Leading figures across Africa and UK opposition parties had criticised the UN's choice of the MP for the role.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58940128

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Oh some good news for once.

[arista]

They do want the Shagger

[LeatherTrumpet]

embarrassing

[LaLaLand]

Basically he doesn’t want to give up his massive MP salary.

[hijaxers]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

embarrassing

Yes totally aww poor Matt

[Cherie]

Surely they could find an African to head this up...

[Livia]

Originally Posted by LaLaLand

Basically he doesn’t want to give up his massive MP salary.

Massive? MPs aren't paid as much as private sector middle management. My local council employs forty plus people who earn more than our MP.

[bitontheslide]

the clue is in "the offer was withdrawn" That's not Hancock saying he can't do it, thats the UN getting lots of backlash and reversing their offer

[arista]