UK Tories suspend ex-minister Matt Hancock over ‘I’m A Celebrity’ TV appearance in Australia
- Ruling Conservative party is unhappy that MP, former health minister, will be absent while filming ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!’
- New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also disapproves, a spokesman said; Hancock’s fellow contestants include Culture Club singer Boy George
Britain’s ruling Conservative party on Tuesday suspended Matt Hancock, the former health minister during the coronavirus pandemic, for appearing on a reality TV show.
The 44-year-old MP will be absent from parliament while he takes part in the latest series of ITV’s “I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!”
The show takes a group of household names, some better known than others, to a rainforest in Australia, pitting them against the elements and challenges involving snakes and other creepy-crawlies.
One previous contestant was Hancock’s Tory colleague, former culture minister Nadine Dorries, who was forced to eat an ostrich’s anus on the show in 2012. Other contestants have eaten food items ranging from kangaroo testicles to sheep eyes and pig brains.
Dorries was criticised at the time for not seeking permission to go on the programme and was also suspended. She was the first contestant voted off that season.
I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect
Conservative chief whip Simon Hart, who is in charge of party discipline, followed a similar course on learning of Hancock’s involvement.
