text: Boris Johnson's office backs press freedom after homes raided in probe into Matt Hancock video leak | Daily Mail Online
  CCTV footage from Matt Hancock's office was leaked to expose affair with aide
  Video showed Mr Hancock kissing senior aide Gina Coladangelo in his office
  Mr Hancock later resigned as Health Secretary after story was published in Sun
  The Information Commissioner's Office raided two houses after leak was made
  Some raised fears that whistleblowers may be put off coming forward as result
  But Boris Johnson's spokesman told Telegraph that 'public interest' is important
  Published: 19:55 EDT, 16 July 2021 | Updated: 21:08 EDT, 16 July 2021
  The exposing of the video, from inside Mr Hancock's office at the Ministry of Health, led him to resign as Health Secretary. He also split from his wife of 15-years, Martha.
  On Thursday, two people suspected of recording the film without consent had their homes raided by officials from Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
  But last night, Boris Johnson's official spokesperson told the Telegraph that Mr Johnson had previously spoken about the importance of newspapers investigating stories in the 'public interest'.
  Boris Johnson's office last night backed the freedom of the press after two homes were raided in a probe into the leak of CCTV footage that exposed Matt Hancock's affair
  Last night, Boris Johnson's (pictured) office told the Telegraph that Mr Johnson had previously spoken about the importance of newspapers investigating stories in the 'public interest'
  The leaking of the video, from inside Mr Hancock's office at the Ministry of Health, led him to resign as Health Secretary. He also split from his wife of 15-years, Martha
  The spokesperson said: 'It's obviously the case that the ICO are investigating, and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further while that investigation is ongoing.
  'But more broadly, the Prime Minister previously has spoken about his belief of the importance of a free press, which can investigate matters that are in the public interest.'
  On Thursday, electronic devices were seized following searches of two homes in relation to the leaking of the CCTV footage that led to Mr Hancock's resignation.
  New Health Secretary Sajid Javid this week confirmed that the CCTV in the office has since been disabled for 'security' reasons - although he has also made jokes at the expense of his predecessor.
  Electronic devices are seized from two homes as data... Summer holidays are back! Grant Shapps adds Ibiza, Mallorca,...
  The ICO said in a statement: 'EMCOR Group (UK) plc, which provides facilities management and CCTV services for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), has submitted a breach report as a processor of personal data, alleging images were taken from the DHSC CCTV system without consent from either EMCOR Group (UK) plc or the DHSC...
  'As part of the investigation, ICO teams searched two residential properties in the south of England on Thursday 15 July 2021.
  'Personal computer equipment and electronic devices were seized as part of the operation and the ICO's enquiries into alleged breaches of section 170 of the Data Protection Act 2018 continue.'
  Steve Eckersley, Director of Investigations at the ICO said: 'It's vital that all people, including employees and visitors to public buildings, have trust and confidence in the protection of their personal data captured by CCTV.
  'In these circumstances, the ICO aims to react swiftly and effectively to investigate where there is a risk that other people may have unlawfully obtained personal data. We have an ongoing investigation into criminal matters and will not be commenting further until it is concluded.'
  Mr Hancock resigned his Cabinet post two day after the affair was revealed, even though Downing Street initially described the matter as 'closed.'
  Mr Hancock (pictured with Gina Coladaneglo in May) resigned his Cabinet post two day after the affair was revealed, even though Downing Street initially described the matter as 'closed.'
  In a letter to the PM Mr Hancock said the government 'owe it to people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down'.
  Mr Johnson said he was 'sorry' to receive the resignation, although he later suggested he had acted quickly to axe his senior minister.
  Speaking by video link at a local government conference last week, Mr Javid said: 'I hope my camera is on... I mean the one on my laptop, not the one on the ceiling.'