Matt Hancock has “no intention of standing down” from politics, his spokesperson has mentioned, as he faces questions on his future following his stint on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The former well being secretary has denied studies he has been in talks with a prime publicist about pursuing a profession in showbiz after coming third on the fact TV present.
Mr Hancock surpassed the expectations of many by reaching the ultimate however got here behind the winner, Euro 2022 champion Jill Scott, and Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner in a public vote on Sunday night time.
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His 18 days within the Australian jungle whereas parliament is sitting has seen him suspended from the Conservative parliamentary get together and criticised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Tory colleagues and COVID campaigners.
The Sun newspaper reported that “secret talks” had been held to get Mr Hancock out of politics and into showbiz.
But his spokesperson denied this, telling Sky News: “Matt has no intention of standing down or stepping away from politics and there has been no conversation with Mayah Riaz or any other PR.”
However, with the Conservative whip eliminated, there are questions over whether or not the present Independent MP will be capable to run once more for parliament.
Tory MPs have been given till 5 December to determine whether or not they wish to stand once more, after which the get together might select a brand new candidate for his protected seat.
Many Conservative colleagues have been embarrassed and outraged by Mr Hancock’s choice to go away behind his constituents and enter the jungle greater than 10,000 miles away.
Asked if Mr Hancock ought to get the whip again, Business Secretary Grant Shapps informed Sky News this morning: “I don’t think he should have gone to the jungle in the first place.
“It’s typically mentioned politics is all present enterprise for ugly individuals. He ought to be again right here with us ugly individuals in parliament doing the job for his constituents.”
Speaking later on the broadcast round, Mr Shapps told Times Radio that Mr Hancock may have “come to the conclusion that his parliamentary profession is just about finished”.
“Why would you go off and spend all that point within the jungle when you have been going to hold on in parliament? I’m solely speculating,” he mentioned.
The choice to readmit Mr Hancock – or not – might be for chief whip Simon Hart, who’s accountable for get together self-discipline.
Mr Hancock recognised his look on the present was “controversial” throughout an exit interview with presenters Ant and Dec final night time.
“I know that it was controversial me coming here, I know some people said people in your position shouldn’t put themselves in embarrassing situations,” the MP mentioned.
“But we’re all human and we all put ourselves in it.”
Mr Hancock additionally praised his campmates for behaving in a “really grown-up way” throughout “grillings” over his time in workplace.
After leaving the interview, he hugged companion Gina Coladangelo, the previous aide with whom he had the affair that pressured his resignation as well being secretary in June final yr.
Leaked CCTV confirmed them kissing in Mr Hancock’s ministerial workplace in breach of his personal social distancing guidelines imposed to include the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Hancock conceded he wasn’t pleased with his actions whereas on the present, however when questioned by campmates, insisted it was as a result of he “fell in love”.
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Former cupboard minister Theresa Villiers was amongst Mr Hancock’s followers, saying the “great human being” has “shown incredible resilience and bravery”.
Mr Hancock is anticipated to face his constituents when he fulfils his promise to carry surgical procedures with them on his return.
He had insisted they have been his “first priority” when coming into the jungle, claiming the fact TV present could be an “honest and unfiltered” strategy to talk with voters.
Mr Hancock mentioned he would use the “incredible platform” to lift consciousness of dyslexia.
His group mentioned he’ll make a donation from his look price to St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk and he might be required to declare the quantity he receives from the present to parliament.
Source: information.sky.com”