Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jungle MP Nadine Dorries 'had go-ahead to be off work'

 

Emma Clark
Monday 19 November 2012 10:54 GMT
Comments
Nadine Dorries in the jungle
Nadine Dorries in the jungle (Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The daughter of suspended MP Nadine Dorries has insisted her mother was given permission to have one month's leave from her parliamentary duties.

Jennie Dorries told ITV's Daybreak that former chief whip Andrew Mitchell, who resigned last month, agreed that the Mid-Bedfordshire MP could take the time off.

She did not say if the Tory office was aware that her 55-year-old mother would be flying off to the Australian jungle to take part in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

Ms Dorries said: "She did ask for the month off. The chief whip gave her permission.

"She did all she had to do before she left.

"She made arrangements for someone to take her place on Remembrance Sunday."

Her sister Cassie admitted she has repeatedly voted for her mother to take part in stomach-churning challenges in the jungle.

Cassie Dorries told Daybreak that she could not help but laugh at her mother's efforts on the notorious bushtucker trials, revealing: "I have voted for my mum for both of the trials - it's much more interesting to see her do it."

So far the MP, who was suspended after it emerged she was heading to the Australian jungle during parliamentary time, has had to cope with chomping on a camel's toe and an ostrich's anus.

The sisters both said they had been hurt by press reports which they branded "untrue".

Cassie said: "Mum's not like that. She's a religious, kind person and does everything with the best intentions."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in