Awkward moment Rishi Sunak 'snubs' Matt Hancock as he arrives at Conservative HQ

Rishi Sunak arrived to the Tory HQ on Monday afternoon to a wave of cheers and celebrations following his appointment as Prime Minister.

As he approached the building, he was seen shaking hands with all his fellow MPs and Party members. However, one notable colleague was brushed off by the new PM.

Footage of the event saw Mr Sunak smiling and greeting everyone on the Westminster street, except the former health secretary Matt Hancock. The pair had worked together for over a year as part of Boris Johnson's Cabinet.

Read more: LIVE as Rishi Sunak becomes UK Prime Minister after Penny Mordaunt withdraws

However, Mr Hancock became embroiled in scandal and controversy in June 2021 after it was revealed that he had broken social distancing restrictions in order to kiss adviser Gina Coladangelo. It was later reported that the two were having an extramarital affair.

Since the incident became national news, the West Suffolk MP who has been supporting Mr Sunak for months has not returned to senior government. Many eagle-eyed viewers on social media have responded in stitches to the snubbing incident.

Matt Hancock was seemingly snubbed as the new PM approached the Tory HQ (Getty Leon Neal/Getty Images)

On Twitter @Baldockboro wrote: "Watch closely, you can actually see Matt Hancock's remaining tattered career aspirations leaving his body." @Bigjohnnyringo wrote: "He seemed to miss you out as he shook hands with all around you at Downing St, you ok Matt ?"

@Poochface wrote: "That went well didn't it Matt? Humiliated on national television."

@even_thorizon added: "Hahaha Matt Hancock up front and centre practically going “pick me, pick me!” But Sunak snubbed him when he was next in-line for a hug."

And @MattAlton tweeed: "No hug from Rishi Sunak for Matt Hancock there #awkward "

Earlier this afternoon, Mr Hancock tweeted out his support and congratulations for the new PM. He wrote: "Huge congratulations to @RishiSunak.

"He is exactly the Prime Minister we need. All of those who know Rishi well know he has the integrity, ability and experience to lead our country in these troubled times."

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