He was involved in politics during the Second Polish Republic before World War II. He was an active member of the Christian Workers Union (Chrześcijańskie Związki Zawodowe) and of the Labour Party (Stronnictwo Pracy) in Silesia.
During the war he served as a soldier in the Polish army in the West.
After Prime Minister in Exile Stanisław Mackiewicz fled back to Poland, Hanke was named as his successor by PresidentAugust Zaleski and served from 8 August to 10 September 1955.
Like his predecessor, he left London and fled to Poland.
According to many documents[specify], he was, before his return to Poland, a Communist secret agent for over three years.[citation needed]
Hugon Hanke Government (8 August – 10 September 1955)