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For weeks, he's been riding out the waves of public anger by keeping a low profile as he tries to avoid political wipeout.

So it's no surprise that Matt Hancock has sneaked off to Cornwall – where he was spotted splashing around in the surf on a body board.

The disgraced former health secretary, 42, was forced to quit the Cabinet in June when CCTV from his Whitehall office was leaked of him kissing his married aide Gina Coladangelo in breach of Covid social-distancing guidance. 

In the wake of the scandal, he reportedly told his wife Martha that their marriage was over and announced he would be spending time away from the spotlight to focus on his three children.

For weeks, Matt Hancock (pictured) been riding out the waves of public anger by keeping a low profile as he tries to avoid political wipeout

The former health minister has sneaked off to Cornwall – where he was spotted splashing around in the surf on a body board

Mr Hancock's children were with him on the beach at Pentireglaze Haven this week, where they also enjoyed some rock-pooling

Mr Hancock's children were with him on the beach at Pentireglaze Haven this week, where they also enjoyed some rock-pooling.

Later Mr Hancock, dressed in a red baseball cap, swimming shorts, a T-shirt and Crocs, politely humoured requests for selfies from other holidaymakers.

Mrs Hancock, 44, was seen separately in the same resort, wearing her wedding ring.

Last month, the Tory backbencher was pictured moving boxes, suitcases and clothes out of his marital home in London.

He is reportedly already plotting his ministerial comeback.

Miss Coladangelo, 44, also has three children with her husband Oliver Tress, who founded Oliver Bonas, the homeware chain.

Matt Hancock stepped down from his Cabinet role last month after CCTV footage was leaked of him breaching Covid social distancing rules by kissing his aide Gina Coladangelo (left)

Mrs Hancock (pictured left in 2019), 44, was seen separately in the same Cornwall resort, wearing her wedding ring