 And the Autumn Statement which will inflict billions in tax rises and spending cuts on poor Brits is being held on November 17. A political ally of Mr Hancock claimed he had talked to the Tory whips "in the same way any MP would when going on a foreign visit, which happens all the time" - despite the fact he's the first MP to appear on the show for a decade. It is an echo of Tory Nadine Dorries, who found herself in hot water after being a surprise addition to the show's cast in 2012. She was suspended by the Conservative Party for failing to inform party whips that she was leaving the country while the House was sitting to take part in the programme. The following year she apologised to MPs after failing to correctly register her){kind=link}
The former Health Secretary is planning to jet to Australia during a crucial time in the Commons and would still be able to claim his £84k MP’s salary
Matt Hancock has lost the Tory whip after abandoning the Commons to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The party retaliated minutes after it emerged the self-promoting former Health Secretary will be flying to Australia for the ITV hit show.
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.”
The MP – snubbed for a Cabinet comeback by Rishi Sunak – is set to join Boy George, Chris Moyles, Olivia Attwood and many more in camp after signing up to the show at the last minute. He will make a donation to his local St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk.