‘Some may think I’ve lost my marbles’: Matt Hancock defends decision to appear on I’m a Celebrity

Former health secretary says politicians must wake up and embrace popular culture'

Matt Hancock has said his decision to appear on I'm a Celebrity was motivated by a desire to showcase his human side" and to use reality TV as a platform to deliver important messages to the masses".

Writing in the Sun in defence of his decision, which resulted in him losing the Conservative whip on Tuesday, the former health secretary said that although some may think I've lost my marbles", he believed politicians must wake up and embrace popular culture".

He wrote: While there will undoubtedly be those who think I shouldn't go, I think it's a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren't always interested in politics, even if they care very much about how our country's run. It's our job as politicians to go to where the people are - not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster."