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Pandemic Diaries: The inside story of Britain's battle against Covid
When Covid-19 swept the world, governments scrambled to protect their citizens and chart a course back to normality. As Health Secretary, Matt Hancock was at the forefront of Britain’s battle against the virus, trying to steer the country through the crisis in a world where information was scarce, judgements huge and the roadmap non-existent.
Drawing on a wealth of never-before-seen material, including official records, his notes at the time and communications with all the key players in Britain’s Covid-19 story, this candid account reveals the inner workings of government during a time of national crisis, reflecting on both the successes and the failures.
Recounting the most important decisions in the race to develop a vaccine in record time and to build a nationwide testing capacity from the ground up, Pandemic Diaries provides the definitive account of Britain’s battle to turn the tide against Covid-19. Crucially, it also offers an honest assessment of the lessons we need to learn to be prepared for next time – because there will be a next time.
Drawing on a wealth of never-before-seen material, including official records, his notes at the time and communications with all the key players in Britain’s Covid-19 story, this candid account reveals the inner workings of government during a time of national crisis, reflecting on both the successes and the failures.
Recounting the most important decisions in the race to develop a vaccine in record time and to build a nationwide testing capacity from the ground up, Pandemic Diaries provides the definitive account of Britain’s battle to turn the tide against Covid-19. Crucially, it also offers an honest assessment of the lessons we need to learn to be prepared for next time – because there will be a next time.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
Audiobook
Published March 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 19, 2023
Matt Hancock became a household name and face in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care he regularly featured in the daily televised press conferences provided by the government. Essentially, he was the man largely responsible for co-ordinating the country’s efforts to combat this plague. To me, he came across as energetic and largely on top of his brief… if a little smarmy. He was forced to resign in June 2021 after his affair with a colleague – and a photograph of the pair disobeying social distancing guidelines – was revealed by a national newspaper. Here he provides his own recollections of the period, from the outbreak of the pandemic through to his resignation.
Set out as a series of diary entries, there’s a good deal here about how key people worked together and sometimes feuded as information was gathered, actions debated and decisions made. The key medical people come out well but a number Hancock’s colleagues less so. Dominic Cummings (Chief Adviser to Boris Johnson) comes across as a real snake, in fact he is accused of doing pretty much everything he could to bring Matt down. He’s clearly a hated figure: again and again he crops up, but never in a good way. It seems that Cummings had been totally let off the leash by Johnson and was a bully who ruled simply by fear, seeking to grab control of pretty much everything. Others that attract the ire of the author include Kate Bingham (chair of the UK Vaccination Taskforce), former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Bingham for constantly trying to undermine efforts to maximise the purchase of vaccine doses and the other two for blatantly playing politics throughout the crisis.
It’s hard to judge how much of what’s here is simply Hancock telling the truth as he saw it or alternatively a tempered version painting him in a better light than he deserves. But he’s a politician and it’s his version of the truth, so there’s are undoubtedly elements here that are self-serving. Either way, I found it interesting to re-visit this grim and dramatic period of our collective history with a decent insight into what went on behind closed doors at the highest level.
As I listened to an audio version of this book, read by Hancock, I realised that I’ve become attuned to his voice, having heard it so often in the past couple of years. I think this added positively to the experience; he’s a persuasive speaker and listening to him walk me through his recollections of this troubled time reminded me just how dark a time this truly was.
My thanks to W.F. Howes Ltd for providing a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Set out as a series of diary entries, there’s a good deal here about how key people worked together and sometimes feuded as information was gathered, actions debated and decisions made. The key medical people come out well but a number Hancock’s colleagues less so. Dominic Cummings (Chief Adviser to Boris Johnson) comes across as a real snake, in fact he is accused of doing pretty much everything he could to bring Matt down. He’s clearly a hated figure: again and again he crops up, but never in a good way. It seems that Cummings had been totally let off the leash by Johnson and was a bully who ruled simply by fear, seeking to grab control of pretty much everything. Others that attract the ire of the author include Kate Bingham (chair of the UK Vaccination Taskforce), former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Bingham for constantly trying to undermine efforts to maximise the purchase of vaccine doses and the other two for blatantly playing politics throughout the crisis.
It’s hard to judge how much of what’s here is simply Hancock telling the truth as he saw it or alternatively a tempered version painting him in a better light than he deserves. But he’s a politician and it’s his version of the truth, so there’s are undoubtedly elements here that are self-serving. Either way, I found it interesting to re-visit this grim and dramatic period of our collective history with a decent insight into what went on behind closed doors at the highest level.
As I listened to an audio version of this book, read by Hancock, I realised that I’ve become attuned to his voice, having heard it so often in the past couple of years. I think this added positively to the experience; he’s a persuasive speaker and listening to him walk me through his recollections of this troubled time reminded me just how dark a time this truly was.
My thanks to W.F. Howes Ltd for providing a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2022
One star is way too generous. Absolute rubbish.
March 4, 2023
Did I read this because Matt Hancock was on I'm A Celebrity? Maybe. Otherwise I don't think I would have touched this book. But in general, I do love political writings because they provide a deeper insight into the unknown. I went into this book, disliking Hancock's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, but somewhat enjoyed seeing his personality during I'm A Celebrity.
From power struggles to Downing Street, Hancock's Pandemic Diaries unveil some very explosive revelations during his time as Health Secretary.
This book had its strengths. This is a series of daily diary entries spanning from January 2020 to June 2021 (his resignation as Health Secretary), which gave great insight into the Conservative government under Boris Johnson.
It was good to see that Hancock discussed the worst and most famous moment of his career: his extramarital affair with Gina Coladangelo, to which he describes falling in love "very deeply. He even further mentions that discussing this with his now ex-wife, Martha, remains as "the very worst conversation of my life." Whilst him and Boris Johnson claim that Hancock did not break guidelines, simply because "they’re recommendations", Hancock claims that he "made a mistake due to love". This sense of betrayal from friends, colleagues and the public left Hancock to resign.
Hancock brilliantly exposes the behind the scenes of Parliament and his role as Health Secretary. My personal favourite is when Hancock had "been delivering the happy birthday recommendation with my usual enthusiasm, but what I really wanted people to sing was the national anthem".
He’s not afraid to criticise fellow Conservative politicians, who initially shrugged off Covid. He particularly mentions Dominic Cummings, who believed that "Covid is a distraction from our official withdrawal from the EU next week" and then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who stated that it will “probably go away”. Hancock critiques governmental schemes, such as Rishi Sunak and the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, which Hancock was "worried that it might backfire and lead to a spike in cases".
But there were a few weaknesses. The addition of a co-author/ghost writer for a diary was slightly confusing... It definitely pointed out a weakness before you've even read this book, as diary entries are supposed to be personal...
Only Jonathan Van-Tam and Chris Whitty came out with their credibility undamaged... Which is slightly absurd, considering he critiqued some of the biggest politicians.
In some aspects, there is a constant need for self-justification. Hancock portrays himself as someone who needs to be liked, and to some extent, his third place finish on I’m A Celebrity proved that. Referring back to his critique of Johnson, Hancock insinuates that he frequently dismissed as an alarmist, where "No. 10 have been briefing far too definitively that there won’t be any flight bans. Big mistake. The reality is we may have to close borders".
This book will always come with great controversy - whether it's for political reasons, or the fact that Hancock's behaviour has been hypocritical, some will argue that people do deserve a second chance, and others will say that you cannot help but feel anger towards Hancock for his handling during the pandemic. I, for one, am still stuck in a mixture of both even after finishing this book, but I would recommend this book, so that others can make their own judgement.
Quick update: giggling at the fact that Isabel Oakeshott has leaked her WhatsApp messages with Hancock 🫣 this did not age well at all.
From power struggles to Downing Street, Hancock's Pandemic Diaries unveil some very explosive revelations during his time as Health Secretary.
This book had its strengths. This is a series of daily diary entries spanning from January 2020 to June 2021 (his resignation as Health Secretary), which gave great insight into the Conservative government under Boris Johnson.
It was good to see that Hancock discussed the worst and most famous moment of his career: his extramarital affair with Gina Coladangelo, to which he describes falling in love "very deeply. He even further mentions that discussing this with his now ex-wife, Martha, remains as "the very worst conversation of my life." Whilst him and Boris Johnson claim that Hancock did not break guidelines, simply because "they’re recommendations", Hancock claims that he "made a mistake due to love". This sense of betrayal from friends, colleagues and the public left Hancock to resign.
Hancock brilliantly exposes the behind the scenes of Parliament and his role as Health Secretary. My personal favourite is when Hancock had "been delivering the happy birthday recommendation with my usual enthusiasm, but what I really wanted people to sing was the national anthem".
He’s not afraid to criticise fellow Conservative politicians, who initially shrugged off Covid. He particularly mentions Dominic Cummings, who believed that "Covid is a distraction from our official withdrawal from the EU next week" and then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who stated that it will “probably go away”. Hancock critiques governmental schemes, such as Rishi Sunak and the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, which Hancock was "worried that it might backfire and lead to a spike in cases".
But there were a few weaknesses. The addition of a co-author/ghost writer for a diary was slightly confusing... It definitely pointed out a weakness before you've even read this book, as diary entries are supposed to be personal...
Only Jonathan Van-Tam and Chris Whitty came out with their credibility undamaged... Which is slightly absurd, considering he critiqued some of the biggest politicians.
In some aspects, there is a constant need for self-justification. Hancock portrays himself as someone who needs to be liked, and to some extent, his third place finish on I’m A Celebrity proved that. Referring back to his critique of Johnson, Hancock insinuates that he frequently dismissed as an alarmist, where "No. 10 have been briefing far too definitively that there won’t be any flight bans. Big mistake. The reality is we may have to close borders".
This book will always come with great controversy - whether it's for political reasons, or the fact that Hancock's behaviour has been hypocritical, some will argue that people do deserve a second chance, and others will say that you cannot help but feel anger towards Hancock for his handling during the pandemic. I, for one, am still stuck in a mixture of both even after finishing this book, but I would recommend this book, so that others can make their own judgement.
Quick update: giggling at the fact that Isabel Oakeshott has leaked her WhatsApp messages with Hancock 🫣 this did not age well at all.
March 24, 2024
I finished this book today ….4 years and a day after the first lockdown started due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The first part of the book was quite interesting as it covered the months leading up to March 2020. Parts of the book were moving and parts were tedious. It’s not the best written book I’ve ever read ! And there were many omissions.
April 30, 2023
Was keen to listen to this book and would say the first half didn’t disappoint. It was a scarily accurate account of a moment in history that affected the whole world. Mr Hancock put to bed some interesting points of view and again highlighted the challenges of the NHS and pharmaceuticals. He also shone a light on some of the work of many unsung heroes that we only got a glimpse of on the famous podium! The impact of the pandemic is still unknown but hats off to Matt this is a historical text more than we realise!
March 25, 2023
This is one of the most entertaining political accounts I’ve read, or listened to, but not for the right reasons. Matt Hancock was the Minister of Health when Covid arrived and this ‘diary’ is his almost blow by blow account.
To be clear; this is not a diary in the true sense. Right at the start Hancock tells us that he was far too busy to keep a diary. This account is co written with journalist Isabel Oakeshott, so it’s difficult to know who’s concocted what. It purports to be compiled from records kept at the time, although of greater interest are official records which haven’t been released into the public domain. Subsequent to publication of The Pandemic Diaries, Oakeshott has released a huge volume of WhatsApp and other exchanges which throw a rather different light on some of the events described here. Hancock is, supposedly, furious. I believe it’s up to individuals to decide where the truth lies and she did the right thing.
Hancock sets the scene very early on when he states ‘When I woke up today I was briefly unable to distinguish fiction from reality’. Certainly, in this account he takes on the role of some fictional caped crusader. There he is, ready to swing into action against the Covid enemy, blessed with a prescience unrecognised by his colleagues, PM and Cabinet members.
He supposedly spotted this lurking danger in January when he noted a short piece in the Sunday Times about a bug in China. Over the following months, this journal records on an almost daily basis how the threat was managed. It comes across almost immediately that the country was totally unprepared for any pandemic. Lines of accountability and responsibility were confused. Civil service, Government, private sector and medical experts were often working at cross purpose to protect their own interest or agenda. Huge questions should be raised as to why planning was so woefully inadequate. A pandemic of one type or another has been on the cards for years and yet there was clearly not even an outline plan.
This account is shaped by hindsight. It’s also coloured by an individual desperately keen to put himself in the centre of everything and take the credit for saving the nation. It’s very one sided and it’s from a man whose moral compass is questionable; in the prologue he thanks his wife and mistress. Bit weird. I felt throughout that he’s trying to justify what a wonderful human being he is. Clever, funny, likeable and most of all, anxious to do his best for the country. But I take much of the book with a pinch of salt. It’s clear from other papers, for example, that rather than place care homes and residents as high risk and vulnerable he was more inclined to throw them under the proverbial bus.
Interesting insights into the background to some decisions we will all remember well. I was fortunate to be offered this Audible version ( narrated, naturally by himself, reasonably well). I wouldn’t buy the book because my opinion of him is very low and this account reinforces that view. I’m pleased he’s left politics ( well, his constituents deselected him).
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.
To be clear; this is not a diary in the true sense. Right at the start Hancock tells us that he was far too busy to keep a diary. This account is co written with journalist Isabel Oakeshott, so it’s difficult to know who’s concocted what. It purports to be compiled from records kept at the time, although of greater interest are official records which haven’t been released into the public domain. Subsequent to publication of The Pandemic Diaries, Oakeshott has released a huge volume of WhatsApp and other exchanges which throw a rather different light on some of the events described here. Hancock is, supposedly, furious. I believe it’s up to individuals to decide where the truth lies and she did the right thing.
Hancock sets the scene very early on when he states ‘When I woke up today I was briefly unable to distinguish fiction from reality’. Certainly, in this account he takes on the role of some fictional caped crusader. There he is, ready to swing into action against the Covid enemy, blessed with a prescience unrecognised by his colleagues, PM and Cabinet members.
He supposedly spotted this lurking danger in January when he noted a short piece in the Sunday Times about a bug in China. Over the following months, this journal records on an almost daily basis how the threat was managed. It comes across almost immediately that the country was totally unprepared for any pandemic. Lines of accountability and responsibility were confused. Civil service, Government, private sector and medical experts were often working at cross purpose to protect their own interest or agenda. Huge questions should be raised as to why planning was so woefully inadequate. A pandemic of one type or another has been on the cards for years and yet there was clearly not even an outline plan.
This account is shaped by hindsight. It’s also coloured by an individual desperately keen to put himself in the centre of everything and take the credit for saving the nation. It’s very one sided and it’s from a man whose moral compass is questionable; in the prologue he thanks his wife and mistress. Bit weird. I felt throughout that he’s trying to justify what a wonderful human being he is. Clever, funny, likeable and most of all, anxious to do his best for the country. But I take much of the book with a pinch of salt. It’s clear from other papers, for example, that rather than place care homes and residents as high risk and vulnerable he was more inclined to throw them under the proverbial bus.
Interesting insights into the background to some decisions we will all remember well. I was fortunate to be offered this Audible version ( narrated, naturally by himself, reasonably well). I wouldn’t buy the book because my opinion of him is very low and this account reinforces that view. I’m pleased he’s left politics ( well, his constituents deselected him).
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.
May 9, 2023
This is a difficult book to review and having spent much of the pandemic on the front line myself, I tried to read it with an open mind and not take into account any preconceived ideas I might have about individuals in government during that time.
There are a few people that don't come out of this version of events too well and I include the author in that. Its his version of events and it stands to reason he wants to be portrayed in the best possible light so its understandable that he'd want to point the finger in other directions and whilst not totally believable I kind of saw that coming. What I didn't expect was the childish point-scoring and smugness that as the book progressed I found increasingly irritating.
I'm being harsh; nobody was prepared for Covid-19 and to be in his shoes, with his level of responsibility couldn't have been easy. He had daily challenges and did his best in an impossible situation, just like the rest of us.
What I did like about this book was the interesting insight it gave into what went on behind closed doors and the decision making process that brought our country to a standstill. Ego's played a big part in our pandemic and leaks, in-house bickering and upstaging are just a few of the things that to this day cast a shadow of doubt over those that were in positions of trust.
This country did some things well but we also got some things terribly wrong and suffered the consequences. We had heroes and villains; I don't cast Hancock in either role. He was a very small cog who like an excitable child wants to be seen and remembered in the best possible light. Sadly I'm not sure that will be the case.
My thanks to W. F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for the audio version for review, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.
There are a few people that don't come out of this version of events too well and I include the author in that. Its his version of events and it stands to reason he wants to be portrayed in the best possible light so its understandable that he'd want to point the finger in other directions and whilst not totally believable I kind of saw that coming. What I didn't expect was the childish point-scoring and smugness that as the book progressed I found increasingly irritating.
I'm being harsh; nobody was prepared for Covid-19 and to be in his shoes, with his level of responsibility couldn't have been easy. He had daily challenges and did his best in an impossible situation, just like the rest of us.
What I did like about this book was the interesting insight it gave into what went on behind closed doors and the decision making process that brought our country to a standstill. Ego's played a big part in our pandemic and leaks, in-house bickering and upstaging are just a few of the things that to this day cast a shadow of doubt over those that were in positions of trust.
This country did some things well but we also got some things terribly wrong and suffered the consequences. We had heroes and villains; I don't cast Hancock in either role. He was a very small cog who like an excitable child wants to be seen and remembered in the best possible light. Sadly I'm not sure that will be the case.
My thanks to W. F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for the audio version for review, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 28, 2023
This "diary" was written after the event so Matt Hancock has the benefit of hindsight and paints himself as well ahead of the curve at the start of the pandemic.
The writing style I did found quite juvenile at first, although it did seem to improve as the book went on (or maybe I just got used to it).
He uses the book to have a dig at the usual suspects: Cummings, Sturgeon, Trump and Burnham in particular. All of them of course are not in his party, who by and large escape his censure.
It makes an interesting reading as to how the government functioned (or didn't) during the pandemic. The lack of leadership from No 10 is better covered in other books, but every department operated more or less independently by the sounds of it, with little joined-up and consistent thinking across government. The terrible start the nation got off to was more down to Johnson than Hancock.
What is apparent is how hard Hancock worked and how much he put into the pandemic. I can't blame him for stepping down as an MP as it's an enormous hassle for not much reward. His fall from grace is mentioned of course but the details and timeline of the affair are not. It gets the minimum possible coverage basically.
A slightly underwhelming book, and a little bit of a missed opportunity, but still a good read.
The writing style I did found quite juvenile at first, although it did seem to improve as the book went on (or maybe I just got used to it).
He uses the book to have a dig at the usual suspects: Cummings, Sturgeon, Trump and Burnham in particular. All of them of course are not in his party, who by and large escape his censure.
It makes an interesting reading as to how the government functioned (or didn't) during the pandemic. The lack of leadership from No 10 is better covered in other books, but every department operated more or less independently by the sounds of it, with little joined-up and consistent thinking across government. The terrible start the nation got off to was more down to Johnson than Hancock.
What is apparent is how hard Hancock worked and how much he put into the pandemic. I can't blame him for stepping down as an MP as it's an enormous hassle for not much reward. His fall from grace is mentioned of course but the details and timeline of the affair are not. It gets the minimum possible coverage basically.
A slightly underwhelming book, and a little bit of a missed opportunity, but still a good read.
April 13, 2023
I found this quite hard going and dull in the main. Probably a combination of the dry depressing subject and the format in writing about it as a diary which makes it seem to drag on forever. Maybe that was the intention to reflect feelings on the pandemic.
I was also a little sceptical just how accurate an account this was of what was happening in the life of Matt Hancock at the time and how much had been revised with the benefit of hindsight. He seemed to be focussing on the potential severity of the virus from New Year's Day 2020 which was several weeks before it came to the attention of most people. I remain unconvinced that he really was so concerned at this early point and think if these were his true diary entries the virus would be a very minor part of his entries in those early days.
He doesn't mince his words or feeling for some, especially Dominic Cummings, which does raise a smile at times, Mostly it was tedious listening though. Maybe not helped by my having an audio copy to review which makes speed reading more challenging.
With thanks to NetGalley and W F Howes for a free audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was also a little sceptical just how accurate an account this was of what was happening in the life of Matt Hancock at the time and how much had been revised with the benefit of hindsight. He seemed to be focussing on the potential severity of the virus from New Year's Day 2020 which was several weeks before it came to the attention of most people. I remain unconvinced that he really was so concerned at this early point and think if these were his true diary entries the virus would be a very minor part of his entries in those early days.
He doesn't mince his words or feeling for some, especially Dominic Cummings, which does raise a smile at times, Mostly it was tedious listening though. Maybe not helped by my having an audio copy to review which makes speed reading more challenging.
With thanks to NetGalley and W F Howes for a free audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2023
Good read. Interesting.
I can't blame him for any mistakes as dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. After all he wasn't responsible for all the decisions as worked as a team with No 10. He shouldn't be blamed alone.
Having said that, people living in Care homes were let down and the most vulnerable. Hence the many deaths, with their family being unable to be with their loved ones at the end. That will stay with their families for the rest of their lives.
Next,
A generation of children who still suffer from mental health issues.
No doubt the enquiry will identify what went well and what didn't. Let's hope there isn't another Pandemic!
The loved ones lost will never be forgotten.
I can't blame him for any mistakes as dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. After all he wasn't responsible for all the decisions as worked as a team with No 10. He shouldn't be blamed alone.
Having said that, people living in Care homes were let down and the most vulnerable. Hence the many deaths, with their family being unable to be with their loved ones at the end. That will stay with their families for the rest of their lives.
Next,
A generation of children who still suffer from mental health issues.
No doubt the enquiry will identify what went well and what didn't. Let's hope there isn't another Pandemic!
The loved ones lost will never be forgotten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
For the audiobook version of this title.
Well narrated, and interestingly - by the author himself. A story we all know, but it was interesting to listen to this version of events. A good bit of history-to-be, and good to hear from the horses mouth. Just not sure how accurate they are given journalistic involvement post events, and the general lies and coverups we know of by the government in general. 3.5 overall rounded up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy for my honest opinion.
Well narrated, and interestingly - by the author himself. A story we all know, but it was interesting to listen to this version of events. A good bit of history-to-be, and good to hear from the horses mouth. Just not sure how accurate they are given journalistic involvement post events, and the general lies and coverups we know of by the government in general. 3.5 overall rounded up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy for my honest opinion.
April 26, 2023
I'm not sure what to make of this book. As a "diary" of course it is written from the perspective of Matt Hancock about his handling of the COVID pandemic. I feel that there are some things that get skirted over, for instance, he says that the UK never ran out of PPE, and whilst this might have been true, it feels a bit flippant to say if the PPE was actually stuck in a warehouse with only one door. Health professionals were having to do without or having to make their own at one point.
February 16, 2024
I read this for the insight and point of view of someone inside government but it just comes across as a giant pat yourself on the back exercise. While I like the format and there was some genuine insight, it’s just another version of grandstanding without any real accountability or acknowledgment of mistakes. Just blaming others
November 21, 2023
I struggled to get past January, I think the pandemic for one is all too raw - it robbed many of us of our formative years , but also this is damage limitation taken to a new level - hindsight Is a privilege some of us don’t have.
stick it in the fiction section and be done with it .
stick it in the fiction section and be done with it .
February 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I am not a Tory voter, but this was an interesting account of the pandemic from the inside and is worth a read.
March 27, 2023
A great handbook on how NOT to manage a pandemic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews