London:
Britain’s ruling Conservative party on Tuesday suspended Matt Hancock, the former health minister during the coronavirus pandemic, for appearing on a reality TV programme.
The 44-year-old MP will be absent from parliament as 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, where they take on the elements and challenges with snakes and other creepy crawlies.
A previous contestant was Hancock’s Tory colleague, former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who was forced to eat an ostrich’s anus during the show in 2012.
Dorries was criticized at the time for not asking permission to go on the program and was also suspended. She was the first contestant voted out that season.
Conservative head whip Simon Hart, who is responsible for party discipline, took a similar course on Hancock’s involvement.
“I have considered the situation and believe this is a serious enough matter to warrant the suspension of the whip with immediate effect,” he added.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who publicly snubbed Hancock when he was harassed by supporters after he was appointed last week, also disapproves, a spokesman said.
“The prime minister believes that during a difficult time for the country, MPs should work hard for their voters,” the spokesman said. Sunak was “unlikely” to watch, he added.
One of Hancock’s supporters defended his involvement, saying the program would help connect with the “politically disengaged” and show “the human side” of politicians.
Celebrities on the show this year include England rugby winner Mike Tindall, whose wife Zara is an Olympic show jumping medalist and a niece of King Charles III.
The most talked-about is Boy George, the Culture Club singer and DJ who has reportedly signed a deal with producers not to eat meat because he is vegan.
Hancock was an ever-present public figure in Britain during the coronavirus pandemic, but was forced to resign after breaking social distancing rules.
He was captured on leaked footage from security cameras at work in a steamy clash with his advisor and former college friend, Gina Coladangelo.
He subsequently left his wife and is reportedly seeking a political comeback.
Hancock’s book, “Pandemic Diaries. The Inside Story of Britain’s Battle Against Covid,” will be published in December.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.)
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