I’m in Oz to spread the word of
KOALA BLAIR
Former Scots Labour leader says she’s joining I’m A Celeb to “talk politics and values”
KEZIA Dugdale last night broke her silence on the I’m A Celeb stooshie after arriving in the jungle for the reality show.
The former Scottish Labour leader touched down in Australia amid a storm of controversy over her decision to skip three weeks of parliament to take part.
The 36-year-old insisted the popular ITV programme was an “amazing platform to talk about politics and Labour values” – but admitted it would also be a lucrative payday.
She said: “I fully intend to finish this term as a member of the Scottish Parliament and to stand again at the next election.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity to speak to millions of people across the UK about the difference a Labour government could make and that is what I’m going to do.
“I’m not going to bore everyone with politics but it’s a fantastic platform and I’m not taking my parliamentary salary while I’m in the jungle.”
She added: “I love my job as a member of the Scottish Parliament.
“I’m only away for three weeks. I’m committed to my constituents and I’ll be leaving the jungle to go straight back to parliament. I want to do my job as an MSP. This is an opportunity to talk to millions of people about my values and what my party stands for. It’s one I’m going to grasp.”
Pressed on how much she would benefit financially, she said a portion of the ITV fee would go to a charity helping homeless people in Edinburgh but wouldn’t say how much.
She added: “I’m receiving a fee for this in return for being away for three weeks and I’m not suggesting that the sums involved are in any sense small.
“I have a record of giving money to charity.
“This isn’t a second job, this is three weeks out of my work. I’ve given my salary away and I’m going to advocate the values of my party. I’ve been very clear.”
Dugdale has previously donated payments for her weekly Daily Record column to fund research into motor neurone disease.
Yesterday, she visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland’s Gold Coast, where she met kangaroos and koalas. Afterwards, she jumped into a helicopter and was taken to the jungle camp.
Dugdale said: “I’ll be interested to hear people’s opinions on the world. I guess we’re going to spend a lot of time in camp talking because we don’t have phones, magazines, books or anything like that.
“Part of the appeal is seeing people from walks of life I’d otherwise never meet. Let’s see what they have got to say.”
Kez joked that some political opponents would relish her taking part in Bushtucker Trials.
She added: “There are lots of people who are critical of the decision I’ve taken to do this who will be hugely satisfied and will enjoy seeing me doing humiliating and difficult tasks.
“This is ultimately a first-rate entertainment programme. In the world we live in, with Putin and Trump, we need a little bit of light relief in politics. That’s what I’ll be trying to provide.”
Asked if she thought she could win, she said: “My political record shows I’m not particularly good at winning electoral contests so I don’t go into it with that ambition.
“I’m going in there to meet new people and talk about the difference a Labour government could make – led by Jeremy Corbyn.”
Dugdale revealed her partner, SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth, is excited about her appearance on the show – because she’s been able to take over her Record column.
She said: “She’s enjoying using that to her advantage. Wouldn’t it be amazing if this reunited Scotland after some difficult years in politics?”