The investigation relates to CCTV footage of Hancock kissing an aide, Gina Coladangelo, in his office earlier this year.

The footage was published in The Sun newspaper on 25th June 2021, leading to Hancock’s resignation as health secretary for breaking social distancing rules.

Emcor Group provides facilities management and CCTV services for the Department of Health and Social Care, and has submitted a breach report to the ICO alleging the images were taken without consent.

Two residential properties in the south of England were searched by the ICO on Thursday 15th July as part of the investigation, with personal computer equipment and electronic devices also seized.

The ICO is also currently investigating reports that government ministers, including Hancock, used private email accounts for government business.

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.”