Matt Hancock Has Whip Suspended As He Joins 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here'

Former health secretary Matt Hancock has had the whip suspended after a source close to him said he will be going on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

Chief Whip Simon Hart MP said:

"Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect."

Mr Hancock will be the 12th star to feature on the reality TV show and go into the jungle in Australia next week.

Mr Hancock was health secretary during the COVID pandemic, but stepped down after breaching lockdown rules while having an affair with an aide.

The source said:

"I'm A Celeb is the most watched show on TV.

"Matt doesn't expect to serve in government again, so it's an incredible opportunity for him to engage with the 12m Brits who tune in every single night.

"Matt has told the whips in parliament and he will use his time in the jungle to promote his dyslexia campaign.

"Matt has an excellent team working with him in West Suffolk, but producers have agreed that he can communicate with them if there's an urgent constituency matter."

He added:

"There are many ways to do the job of being an MP.

"Whether he's in camp for one-day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are.

"Where better to show the human side of those who make these decisions than with the most-watched programme on TV?"

(C) Sky News - https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock-to-join-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-as-contestant-12735587