Matt Hancock has been seen wearing a signed football shirt he sold at auction to raise money for the NHS, claiming the winner gave it back to him.
The former health secretary donated the Newcastle United shirt for an online auction hosted by the radio DJ Chris Evans in 2020 to fund the purchase of NHS scrubs.
Speaking on his Virgin Radio breakfast show at the time, Mr Evans explained that he had asked his friends to donate "something that you’d never in a million years dream of donating".
Mr Hancock volunteered the shirt, which he described as his "pride and joy".
It was often on display behind the minister in his television appearances during lockdown, and reportedly raised £1,850 at auction.
However, Mr Hancock was seen wearing the black and white striped shirt in a video posted to his TikTok on Sunday.
Sporting the shirt ahead of Newcastle's match against Manchester United, Mr Hancock said: "So exciting, if you’ve been a Newcastle fan – we’ve waited years for this, we haven’t been to Wembley for years.
"This is the most exciting thing that’s happened since Kevin Keegan. Bring it on!"
A spokesman for Mr Hancock said the shirt was returned to the MP by the winner of the auction.
The MP's spokesman said: "Matt put his signed Newcastle football shirt up for sale as part of Chris Evans's NHS charity appeal to raise money for scrubs, but the person who bought it very kindly gave Matt's beloved shirt back to him as a gift."
It remains unclear whether the shirt had been sent to the buyer, or whether it was gifted to Mr Hancock beforehand.
Mr Hancock had offered to add his signature to the shirt alongside those of the Newcastle players, though it is unclear if the buyer took him up on the offer.
Mr Hancock said at the time of the auction that the shirt "was gifted to me by Uncle Dave".
"It was because of him that I am now a lifelong supporter and fan of Newcastle United," he added.
"Signed by the team. The top as seen hanging behind me on the bookshelf during many of my Skype interviews - I will sign it for you also if you like."
The donation was made when Mr Hancock was under fire for the inadequate supply of protective equipment for NHS workers.
Mr Evans’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
