Matt Hancock defends joining I’m A Celebrity

The former health secretary Matt Hancock has defended his decision to join the new lineup of the hit ITV show – I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

Hancock says the TV show is a “powerful tool” to reach young people. In the Sun, he says politicians must “go where the people are” and not “sit in ivory towers in Westminster.” 

Since the news broke, he has been suspended as a Tory MP after party managers took a dim view of his decision. The PM’s official spokesman said the PM believes “MPs should be working hard for their constituents, whether that is in the House or in their constituency.” 

But Hancock won’t let the criticism get to him – arguing that a politician’s job is to engage with people. 

“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. In fact, I think it’s patronising to hear some say reality TV is beneath a politician.

“It’s as clear as day that politicians like me must go to where the people are — particularly those who are politically disengaged. We must wake up and embrace popular culture.”