Should serving MPs be banned from taking part in reality TV shows?
There is much controversy about the decision taken by Matt Hancock who has jetted off to Australia to join a TV reality show.
Former health secretary Matt Hancock was facing questions over whether he has broken the rules on post-government jobs over plans to join I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in the Australian jungle.
The former health secretary was understood not to have asked a watchdog’s permission before taking on the post-ministerial role.
The MP was suspended from the parliamentary Conservative Party on Tuesday after he was revealed to be a surprise extra name added to the list of contenders for the reality show.
As well as being stripped of the party whip, campaigners for families bereaved in the Covid-19 pandemic accused him of trying to “cash in on his terrible legacy”.
The response at Westminster was swift after news that West Suffolk MP Mr Hancock would join the ITV show, which starts on Sunday.
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.”
Matt Hancock said he is going to Australia to join I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! so he can “go to where the people are — not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster”.
The former health secretary insisted “I haven’t lost my marbles” by deciding to join the reality show after being suspended from the parliamentary Conservative Party.
He said reality TV is an “honest and unfiltered” way to communicate with voters.
“It’s our job as politicians to go to where the people are — not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster,” Mr Hancock wrote.
“There are many ways to do the job of being an MP. Whether I’m 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.”
What are your views? Is it appropriate for serving MPs to take part in reality TV shows or should they stick to their day job? Will you be watching the new season of I’m a Celebrity?
