So between you and me, I’ll be in the jungle soon: Kezia Dugdale has arrived in Australia and is due to appear on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! imminently.

But former leader must explain herself to party chiefs

Kezia Dugdale will not be suspended by Scottish Labour for going absent without leave to appear on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, her party has ruled.

But the former leader will be forced to explain herself to Labour bosses in a formal interview when she returns from Australia.

MSPs met at Holyrood yesterday to discuss Ms Dugdale’s fate after her decision to feature in the reality show angered some colleagues.

James Kelly, the party’s business manager, said: “The Scottish Parliamentary Labour group today discussed the decision of Kezia Dugdale to take an unauthorised leave of absence from her parliamentary duties.

“Today, the group concluded that Kezia Dugdale would not face suspension.

“In accordance with standard procedure, Kezia Dugdale will be interviewed on her return to parliament and have the opportunity to present her account of events.”

The Lothians MSP has been accused of a dereliction of duty by missing parliament and abandoning her constituents to go on a jungle jaunt.

Supporters say she will help Scottish politics reach new audiences and deserves a break after steering the party through some of its darkest times.

The former Dundee schoolgirl’s decision to enter the jungle came to light as her successor as leader was unveiled, overshadowing Richard Leonard’s election victory.

Jenny Gilruth, the SNP MSP who starting dating the then Labour leader in Scotland earlier this year, said Ms Dugdale tried to time her entry into I’m A Celebrity to avoid upstaging her new boss.

The Mid Fife and Glenrothes politician called on people to “get some perspective” after her partner came under heavy criticism for taking time off from serving the public to go on the ITV show, adding that issues like the socalled rape clause, Universal Credit and Brexit are more worthy of anger.

Writing in the Daily Record, Ms Gilruth said: “The news that she was to be taking part was leaked many days before it was supposed to be known.

“Indeed, she’s not even in there. Yet. I know Kez was upset about the way it affected Labour’s leadership result.

“And I know she was upset by some of the hurtful things written about her. How could she not be?”

Today, the group concluded that Kezia Dugdale would not face suspension. JAMES KELLY LABOUR PARTY BUSINESS MANAGER

Picture: Rex. Kezia Dugdale ready for her appearance on I’m a Celebrity.