Matt Hancock is taking part in 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' to "talk directly" to those who "aren't always interested in politics" and to raise the profile of his dyslexia campaign.
Matt Hancock entering I'm A Celebrity to 'show human side of politicians'
The former Health Secretary was suspended from the Conservative Party on Tuesday (01.11.22) after it was revealed he was entering the Australian jungle-based ITV show, but 44-year-old West Suffolk MP insists it is important for people to "see a politician as they really are", rather than sit in "ivory towers in Westminster".
In a piece for The Sun newspaper, Matt - who has landed in Brisbane ahead of the show - wrote: "Some may think I’ve lost my marbles or had one too many drinks, swapping the comfortable surroundings of Westminster and West Suffolk for the extreme conditions of the Australian outback, going where there will be few creature comforts, not enough food, and a load of physical tasks involving snakes, spiders and plenty of other creepy-crawlies.
"While there will undoubtedly be those who think I shouldn’t go, I think it’s a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics, even if they care very much about how our country’s run.
"It’s our job as politicians to go to where the people are - not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster."
Matt was diagnosed with dyslexia aged 18 and has since campaigned to raise awareness of the learning difficulty, and he believes being on 'I'm A Celebrity' will help because reality TV is "honest and unfiltered".
He said: "I want to raise the profile of my dyslexia campaign to help every dyslexic child unleash their potential - even if it means taking an unusual route to get there ... via the Australian jungle!
"'I’m A Celebrity... is watched by millions of Brits up and down the country.
"I want to use this incredible platform to raise awareness, so no child leaves primary school not knowing if they have dyslexia."
Matt admitted he turned down the show "twice this summer", but he had a "change of heart" after the programme approached him for a third time.
He added: "So, the truth is, I haven’t lost my marbles or had one too many pina coladas. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to. I was elected by the people, and it’s important to engage with voters, especially younger voters, no matter where they are, and show the human side of politicians. That’s what I hope to do."
Simon Hart, the Chief Whip, confirmed on Tuesday he had suspended the whip from Matt after it was revealed he was entering the jungle.
He 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."
What's more, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The PM believes that at a challenging time for the country MPs should be working hard for their constituents whether that's in the House or indeed in their constituencies."
It is expected Matt and comedian Seann Walsh will head into camp when the series is already underway.
The pair are set to join up with pop icon Boy George, 'Coronation Street' star Sue Cleaver, 'Hollyoaks' actor Owen Warner, former England rugby player Mike Tindall, radio presenter Chris Moyles, England Lioness Jill Scott, comedian Babatunde Aleshe, former 'Love Island' star Olivia Attwood, and TV presenters Charlene White and Scarlette Douglas in camp.
Matt - who was recently said to have been approached to appear on the next series of 'Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins' - previously came under fire after he was caught kissing his aide Gina Coladangelo amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing guidance was in place.
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