Matt Hancock has Tory party whip removed after it emerged he will join I’m a Celebrity line-up

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has had the Tory Whip suspended after it emerged he was entering the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Politicians have been reacting to the news that Mr Hancock is expected to be added as a surprise final addition to the line-up of celebrities who will travel to Australia as part of the reality TV show this year.

Allies of the West Suffolk MP said he will use the opportunity to engage with the millions of Brits who watch the show and promote his work on dyslexia.

However others have criticised Mr Hancock for leaving the UK when he should be representing his constituents in Parliament.

Shortly after news of his appearance on ITV’s flagship show broke, chief whip, Simon Hart confirmed that Mr Hancock would have the whip removed.

Mr Hart 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.”

Andy Drummond, deputy chairman of West Suffolk Conservative Association, said : “I’m looking forward to him eating a kangaroo’s penis. Quote me. You can quote me that.”

It was first reported by The Sun that Mr Hancock, who was forced to resign as Health Secretary after it was revealed he was cheating on his wife during the pandemic, will be the 12th celebrity to go into the jungle in Australia.

Mr Hancock is not be the first politician to appear on the reality TV show, with previous campmates including former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Öpik.

Ms Dorries also had the whip removed after appearing on the show during Commons time in 2013, however she was later reinstated and went on to become a cabinet minister.

Ten celebrities will head into the jungle this Sunday for the launch of the new series.

Mr Hancock, 44, is not expected to join until a later date, as a surprise latecomer to the camp.

An ally of Mr Hancock told PA: “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?

“Politicians like Matt must go to where the people are – particularly those who are politically disengaged.

“Matt’s of the view that we must embrace popular culture. Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is – a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations.”

According to the source, producers of the show have agreed that Mr Hancock can communicate with them if there is an urgent constituency matter.

The Sun reported that Mr Hancock sprung the news on his colleagues at Westminster after not getting a promotion following Rishi Sunak’s reshuffle last week.

Mr Hancock has reportedly said he was “flattered and naturally curious” when asked to take part on the show but only feels able to do so now as “the government is stable”.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants, said: “Oh to have a job where you can decide for yourself you’re taking a month off, abandon your work and responsibilities, get paid shedloads and face little consequence.

“I’m sure he’ll be an inspiration to other public servants.”

Shadow health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “To be fair to Matt Hancock, I’d sooner eat wallaby anus than be a Tory MP too.”

Other celebrities joining Mr Hancock in the jungle this year include the singer Boy George, former Rugby player Mike Tindall and former BBC Radio 1 presenter Chris Moyles.

Explaining his decision to appear on the show, Boy George said: “I am bored of being iconic in the corner and if you want to compete in the world then being part of telly is part of that.

“This is the biggest show on TV and that is why I am doing it.”