Scottish Labour to consider future of Kezia Dugdale as she heads to I'm A Celeb

Updated

Labour MSPs are to consider the future of former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale following her decision to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.

The MSP will head to Australia to take part in the reality TV series, which begins on Sunday.

She will join the likes of boxer Amir Khan, Boris Johnson's dad Stanley and Saturdays singer Vanessa White in the jungle for the ITV show.

Naked Heart Foundation's Fabulous Fund Fair - London
Naked Heart Foundation's Fabulous Fund Fair - London

Ms Dugdale resigned as leader in August after taking on the role in the wake of the 2015 general election.

Her shock resignation sparked a leadership contest with Richard Leonard announced as the new leader on Saturday.

Mr Leonard said he was a "bit disappointed" by her decision, and that Scottish Labour would consider if the former leader should be suspended as a result.

Speaking in Glasgow just after he was elected leader, Mr Leonard said suspension was not his initial reaction, but he added: "I think it's something the group will have to consider."

Reports of her participation in the show have drawn criticism and surprised reactions from other politicians.

Election to parliament is a privilege to serve and represent people. It's not a shortcut to celebrity. https://t.co/SrcA6h1gxz

-- Jenny Marra (@JennyMarra) November 17, 2017

Labour MSP Jenny Marra tweeted: "Election to parliament is a privilege to serve and represent people. It's not a shortcut to celebrity."

SNP MSP James Dornan added: "We all accept the new @scottishlabour leader is going to be a disaster but surely this is still a bit extreme Kezia."

When she resigned in August Ms Dugdale said she left the party "in better shape than I found it" and that the party needed a new leader with "fresh energy, drive and a new mandate" to take the party into the next Holyrood elections in four years' time.

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