Former British health secretary Matt Hancock, who was in the government when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, was suspended from the Conservative group in parliament on Tuesday over his upcoming participation in a reality TV show.
According to one of his relatives, the 44-year-old MP jumped at the “incredible opportunity” to take part in “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” “, program that follows the travails of stars released in the middle of the jungle because “he no longer expects to serve in the government”.
When he won the Downing Street race, new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak royally ignored Matt Hancock, amid a throng of Tory MPs who came to congratulate their new leader.
“Suspension with immediate effect”
Conservative party disciplinary officer Simon Hart said after speaking to Matt Hancock that he concluded the matter was “serious enough to order his suspension with immediate effect”.
The entourage of the former Minister of Health assured that the production of the show, which among the participants of the new edition includes the singer Boy George (famous for his famous Karma chameleon in 1983), had agreed that the MP’s constituents could contact him on “urgent” matters. According to this source, he intends to use the showcase that the show represents for his campaign on the subject of dyslexia, which he himself suffers from.
Before him, Nadine Dorries, who until recently served as Boris Johnson’s Culture Secretary, suffered the same fate for appearing on the show in 2012.
Already at the heart of a sentimental scandal
Matt Hancock, who became a familiar face to the British through press conferences during the pandemic, was forced to resign after a political, sentimental and health scandal.
In late June 2021, the tabloid The Sun had published the video surveillance images showing the minister, married and father of three, passionately kissing Gina Coladangelo, a long-time friend whose discreet employment also sparked controversy, in his office at an even simple time . hugging was forbidden.
Matt Hancock, who has rebuilt his life with her, also has on his agenda the publication of a book promising a dive into Britain’s fight against Covid.