Former Health Secretary and West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock joins cast of I'm A Celebrity...
The former cabinet minister is set to enter the jungle - and has been had the Tory whip suspended
Last updated 1st Nov 2022
Former health secretary and Suffolk MP Matt Hancock has been stripped of the Tory whip after signing up to join I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
Mr Hancock was a surprise extra name added to the list of contenders and allies said he would use his appearance to promote his work on dyslexia.
The ITV show is set to return to our TV screens on Sunday, with rugby player Mike Tindall, singer Boy George and footballer Jill Scott among the names heading into the jungle.
But Chief Whip Simon Hart said the situation was so serious he should have the right to sit as a Conservative suspended.
"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 Hart said.
The West Suffolk MP was forced to quit as health secretary in June 2021 after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by conducting an affair in his ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.
Mr Hancock was among supporters of Rishi Sunak who welcomed the new leader to Conservative headquarters last week but was overlooked for a ministerial job under the new Prime Minister.
He had also reportedly been considering a run to be chair of the Treasury Select Committee, but pulled out of the race on Monday.
An ally of Mr Hancock said: "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."
The ally said producers of the show have agreed that Mr Hancock can communicate with them if there is an urgent constituency matter.
Chief whip Simon 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 he was looking forward to seeing Matt Hancock "eating a kangaroo's *"
"Quote me. You can quote me that."
Hancock isn't the first politician to take part in I'm A Celeb. Former culture minister Nadine Dorries was a contestant in the 12th season, finishing in 11th.
Who's on I'm a Celeb 2022?
Boy George
Best known for: Singer/songwriter
Age: 61
Jill Scott MBE
Best known for: England footballer
Age: 35
Mike Tindall MBE
Best known for: Former rugby union player and Zara Tindall's husband
Age: 44
Owen Warner
Best known for: Hollyoaks actor
Age: 23
Charlene White
Best known for: Broadcaster and Loose Women star
Age: 42
Sue Cleaver
Best known for: Coronation Street actress
Age: 59
Babatunde Aleshe
Best known for: Actor, writer and comedian
Age: 36
Chris Moyles
Best known for: Radio DJ
Age: 48
Scarlette Douglas
Best known for: Actress and presenter
Age: 32
Matt Hancock MP
Best known for: MP and former Health Secretary
Age: 44
Seann Walsh
Best known for: Comedian
Age: 36
OUT: Olivia Attwood
Best known for: Love Island/Reality star
Age: 31
Olivia was forced to leave the show after just 24 hours as a precautionary measure to undergo medical tests. An ITV spokesperson said: "As a precautionary measure Olivia needed to leave the jungle to undergo some medical checks. Unfortunately, the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be further investigation. She has been absolutely brilliant and she'll be very much missed on the show."