Hancock defends journey to Australia for I’m A Celeb jaunt

However Cupboard minister Mark Harper stated Mr Hancock had not made the “proper judgment” and would now must resolve whether or not he needs to proceed as an MP on his return.

Mr Hancock had the Tory whip suspended by chief whip Simon Hart, who described the state of affairs as “critical”.

Transport Secretary Mr Harper advised Sky Information: “The chief whip has made the place clear, which is he’s decided that happening I’m A Celeb is just not appropriate with doing all your job correctly as a Member of Parliament.”

Pressed on whether or not Mr Hancock ought to stand down as an MP, Mr Harper stated: “What he chooses to do sooner or later is a matter for him.”

Mr Harper advised LBC: “I feel we are able to draw conclusions from the truth that the whip has been taken away that maybe Mr Hancock hasn’t made the correct judgment on this case.”

A casually dressed Mr Hancock was noticed arriving in Brisbane as he prepares to enter the jungle.

Mr Hancock defended his resolution in an article for The Solar, arguing it’s “a fantastic alternative to speak on to individuals who aren’t at all times serious about politics”.

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He stated actuality TV is an “trustworthy and unfiltered” strategy to talk with voters.

“It’s our job as politicians to go to the place the individuals are – to not sit in ivory towers in Westminster,” Mr Hancock wrote.

“There are various methods to do the job of being an MP. Whether or not I’m in camp for at some point or three weeks, there are only a few locations individuals will have the ability to see a politician as they are surely.”

He added: “So, the reality is, I haven’t misplaced my marbles or had one too many pina coladas. It’s one thing I’ve given lots of thought to.”

Mr Hancock stated he needs to make use of the “unimaginable platform” to lift consciousness of dyslexia and insisted it “wasn’t the cheque” that made him resolve to affix the present.

He stated he turned down the programme “twice this summer season” however had a “change of coronary heart” after employees requested a 3rd time final week.

The MP stated it was not the cash that modified his thoughts, saying he’ll make “a donation” to St Nicholas Hospice Care in Suffolk, although he doesn’t say he’ll quit the complete quantity.

He stated he feels in a position to go to the jungle now the “Authorities is steady”.

Mr Hancock stated he may be reached on “any pressing constituency issues”.

In the meantime, he’s going through questions over whether or not he broke guidelines on in search of permission over jobs taken inside two years of leaving workplace.

Mr Hancock didn’t search recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Enterprise Appointments (Acoba) earlier than agreeing to the looks, the PA information company understands.

Lord Pickles, the Conservative chairman of the anti-corruption watchdog, which advises on post-ministerial jobs, is predicted to jot down to Mr Hancock to demand clarification.

Beneath the foundations, Mr Hancock ought to search clearance from Acoba for any new employment or appointments he takes on till subsequent June.

A spokesman for Mr Hancock stated the steerage “was adopted in good religion”, including: “The Acoba web site clearly states that it doesn’t regard media appearances as an appointment or employment.”

Nonetheless, the web site solely says that “one-off” actions are usually not relevant, with any “longer-term association” requiring a request to Acoba.

Relying on how he festivals throughout public votes, Mr Hancock may stay within the jungle for weeks.

In April, Tory MP and former housing minister Esther McVey was discovered to have damaged the foundations for failing to hunt Acoba’s recommendation over her “common engagement” as a GB Information presenter.

Mr Hancock can proceed to choose up his taxpayer-funded wage as an MP whereas he’s within the jungle.

However Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Sarah Olney stated: “The taxpayer shouldn’t pay him whereas he refuses to do his job.”