Matt Hancock insists he 'hasn't lost his marbles' as he flies to the Australian jungle for 'I'm a Celebrity'

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Matt Hancock insisted he "hasn't lost his mind" as he heads to Australia to join I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! despite much criticism.

The MP for West Suffolk has claimed his 'first priority' is his constituents as he travels more than 10,000 miles to join the ITV show, which starts on Sunday.

The former health secretary, who was suspended from the Conservative Parliamentary Party, says he wants to 'go where the people are - not sit in ivory towers in Westminster'.

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Matt Hancock faces huge criticism for flying off to do a TV show halfway around the world

( PA Archive)

Mr. Hancock defended his decision in an article for The Sun, arguing that it's "a great opportunity to speak directly to people who aren't always interested in politics."

< p>He said reality TV is an "honest, unfiltered" way to communicate with voters.

"It's our job as politicians to go where the people - not to sit in ivory towers at Westminster," Mr Hancock wrote.

"There are many ways to do an MP's job. Whether I am in camp for a day or three weeks, there are very few places where people will be able to see a politician as he really is.

"So the truth is that I have no lost my marbles or had too many pina coladas. It's something I've thought about a lot."

Mr Hancock said he wanted to use the "incredible platform" to raise awareness about dyslexia.

He claimed to have turned down the show "twice this summer", but "changed his mind" after the show's producers asked him for a third time last week.

The MP said it wasn't the money that changed his mind, saying he would win 'a donation' to St Nicholas Hospice Care in Suffolk, although he won't say he will give up the full amount.

He said he felt able to go into the jungle now that "the government is stable" and said he could be contacted for "any urgent constituency matters ".

Prime Minister believes that at a difficult time for the country MPs should work hard for their constituents, whether in the House or in their circo nscription

Rishi Sunak's spokesman

Meanwhile, he faces questions...