Jungle MP and pandemic villain Matt Hancock has announced he is stepping down as an MP and abandoning his political career – just weeks after finishing third on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.
The ex-Tory MP returned to Westminster last week from Australia following his controversial spell on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!
Mr Hancock was stripped of the Conservative whip after it emerged he was joining the reality TV show, prompting speculation about his political future and whether he would stand again at the next general election in around two years time.
READ MORE: Russia responds to reports Vladimir Putin 'defecated' after fall amid health rumours
In a letter to the Prime Minister, he told Rishi Sunak: “It has been an honour to serve in Parliament and represent the people of West Suffolk.
“I will play my part in the debate about the future of our country and engage with the public in new ways.”
In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Matt Hancock wrote :“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved in my nine years in Government: the massive expansion of Apprenticeships, the introduction of Traineeships, support for small and growing businesses, the digitisation of public services and starting to establish rules for the digital economy, restoring the nation’s finances, support for the NHS with record numbers of doctors and nurses, and of course the response to the pandemic: the first vaccine in the world, and a shorter lockdown, fewer jobs lost, and lower mortality than comparable countries.
“For my part, I want to do things differently. I have discovered a whole new world of possibilities which I am excited to explore – new ways for me to communicate with people of all ages and from all backgrounds.
"I look forward to championing the issues that are dear to my heart, including better support for dyslexic children who get a raw deal from the education system."
Hancock eventually resigned for breaking social distancing guidance by kissing and embracing an aide in his office.
His appearance on the show was controversial and his decision prompted criticism from Mr Sunak and other top Tories, as well as mockery from some fellow MPs.
The recent publication of his Pandemic Diaries has also offered fresh insights into the workings of Government as the Covid-19 virus hit the UK in 2020.
Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting was among those quick to react to Mr Hancock’s impending departure from Parliament.
“He’s not a celebrity! Get him out of here!” he tweeted.
To get more stories from Daily Star delivered straight to your inbox sign up to one of our free newsletters here .
READ NEXT:
