Following an appointment to the UN as a special representative on financial innovation and climate change in Africa, Matt Hancock was seemingly making a major comeback since he resigned in June after images of him breaking social distancing rules by kissing a colleague were published.

However, the headline-making appointment was later abandoned as it was discovered that a sitting MP is barred from holding the unpaid UN position.

Speaking on the matter, the West Suffolk MP explained why he couldn't take up the position.

"I was honoured to be approached by the UN and appointed as Special Representative to the Economic Commission for Africa, to help drive forward an agenda of strengthening markets and bringing investment to Africa", he said.

"The UN has written to me to explain that a technical UN rule has subsequently come to light which states that sitting Members of Parliament cannot also be UN Special Representatives. Since I am committed to continuing to serve as MP for West Suffolk, this means I cannot take up the position", he explained further.

On his appointment, Mr Hancock's had earlier received congratulatory messages from various walks of British politics including; his successor as health secretary Sajid Javid, foreign secretary Liz Truss and culture secretary Nadine Dorries.  

However, some including Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, criticised the move saying that; "The last thing the African continent needs is a failed British politician".

The move was also condemned by Dr Ayoade Alakija; co-chair of the African Union's Africa vaccine delivery alliance; who described the appointment as "tone deaf" and the "definition of a colonial hangover".