Conservative MP Matt Hancock “positively broke the foundations” with an impromptu swim in London’s Serpentine, a member of the lake’s swimming membership has advised The Impartial.
The previous well being secretary was photographed having fun with an icy plunge early on Tuesday morning after a run with Tory colleagues Robert Buckland MP and Lord Bethell.
Nevertheless, the Serpentine Swimmers’ Membership made clear that swimming is “strictly for members solely” and “no company [are] permitted” in a tweet referencing Mr Hancock’s dip.
One swimmer who does have permission to make use of the Serpentine claimed Mr Hancock had been “foolhardy”, and mentioned fellow members have been additionally “indignant” about his use of the Hyde Park lake.
The member, who didn’t want to be named, advised The Impartial: “[Mr Hancock] positively broke the foundations since you’re not allowed to swim when you’re not a member and also you’re not allowed to have company in.
“The foundations are there for a cause – it’s important to do a 25m take a look at and it’s important to settle for duty to be a lifeguard when you see somebody in misery. These guidelines are agreed with the Royal Parks.”
The member added: “We don’t know if he’s a seasoned swimmer or not, so it’s foolhardy of him to leap in since you wish to present you’re like Vladimir Putin.”
A spokesperson for Mr Hancock insisted that membership members on the lake had invited the previous well being secretary to affix them.
“Matt and Robert [Buckland] have been on a run and invited in for an impromptu swim by enthusiastic membership members – who even lent towels. It was all very cheerful, if chilly, and so they have been each very grateful for the nice and cozy welcome,” mentioned the spokesperson.
Lord Bethell mentioned he’s a member of the membership and had been swimming often there all winter. Mr Buckland couldn’t be reached for remark.
Mr Hancock resigned final June over a breach of Covid guidelines after he was captured kissing his aide Gina Coladangelo at work. He apologised for “breaking the steering” and mentioned he had “let [people] down”.
His swimming expedition was not the primary time he has raised eyebrows over his train habits. In 2018, he posted a video making an attempt out parkour by leaping off concrete blocks in London’s Southbank.
Kaynak: briturkish.com