West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock has had the Tory whip suspended after he signed up to join the hit ITV show I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Mr Hancock was a surprise extra name added to the list of contenders and allies said he would use his appearance to promote his work on dyslexia.

Chief Whip Simon Hart said the situation was so serious he should have the right to sit as a Conservative suspended.

“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,” Mr Hart said.

But others are not taking the matter so seriously.

Andy Drummond, deputy chairman of West Suffolk Conservative Association, said he was looking forward to seeing Matt Hancock “eating a kangaroo’s penis” as it emerged that the former health secretary is to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The West Suffolk MP was forced to quit as health secretary in June 2021 after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by having an affair in his ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.

He had also reportedly been considering a run to be chair of the Treasury Select Committee but pulled out of the race on Monday.

A "political ally" of Mr Hancock said the West Suffolk MP will make a donation to St Nicholas Hospice, and declare the amount he receives from the show to Parliament.

They said: “There are many ways to do the job of being an MP.

“Whether he’s 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.

“Where better to show the human side of those who make these decisions than with the most-watched programme on TV?

“Politicians like Matt must go to where the people are – particularly those who are politically disengaged.

“Matt’s of the view that we must embrace popular culture. Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is – a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations.”

The ally said producers of the show have agreed that Mr Hancock can communicate with his staff if there is an "urgent" constituency matter while he is in the jungle.