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I’m A Celeb star gets written warning from bosses over jungle appearance

Issued a reprimand on return home yesterday

Kezia Dugdale has been reprimanded by the Scottish Labour Party over her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The party’s former leader flew to Australia last month to take part in the three-week television show.

But that decision raised eyebrows among some, with claims she hadn’t actually been given permission from bosses to join the jungle cast.

After returning home yesterday, she met with the party’s new leader, Richard Leonard, and senior colleagues.

It resulted in a written warning and reprimand.

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A statement released by the party read: “Kezia Dugdale was interviewed by the Scottish Labour parliamentary group executive regarding her unauthorised absence from parliament for three weeks.

“Following a discussion between Richard Leonard, Kezia Dugdale, and the executive, it has been decided that the group will reprimand Ms Dugdale by way of written warning.

“She will not face further action.”

Kezia told The Times: “I deeply regret that this caused issues in the first weeks of Richard Leonard’s leadership and I am determined that it won’t affect Labour’s ability to scrutinise the Scottish budget.

“Now I’m getting back to work.

Kezia, 36, was the second celebrity to leave the jungle this year, following the first out, comedian Shappi Khorsandi.

The show was won on Sunday evening by Made In Chelsea star Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo.

Kez had told the BBC before entering camp that I’m A Celebrity was an ” amazing opportunity to talk to millions of people about the Labour Party, its values and how it is different.”

However, party leader Mr Leonard suggested she hadn’t actually been given the green light to star on the reality show.

He said: “My understanding is that she sought permission and wasn’t given permission.”

Kezia, meanwhile, has said she didn’t specify to the party she was appearing on I’m A Celebrity, but did ask permission to work abroad for three weeks.

Her MSP salary while abroad and part of her jungle pay cheque will be donated to charity.

In an interview with Lorraine after leaving the jungle, Kezia said: “I always knew it was going to be a big gamble for me politically. I know that it’s controversial to see an elected politician, a current politician, do something like this.

“I know I’m going back to a good deal of criticism and I will take that face on.

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“I’ve got to have a lot of conversations with people but I’m going back with my head held high. I came out here to do what I wanted to do and I believe I succeeded in that.

“I love my job, it’s a great privilege to be a Labour politician and I fully intend on continuing to do it for a very long time.

“I can’t wait to get back to my job.”


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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