Kezia Dugdale is “upset” about the impact of her TV jungle adventure on the new Scottish Labour leadership, according to her SNP girlfriend.
Jenny Gilruth, the Fife MSP who starting dating the then Labour leader in Scotland this year, said Ms Dugdale tried to time her entry into I’m A Celebrity to avoid overshadowing the election of her successor.
The Mid Fife and Glenrothes politician called on people to “get some perspective” after her partner has come under heavy criticism for taking time off from serving the public to go on the ITV show, adding issues like the so-called 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?”
Ms Gilruth, who was not available to speak to The Courier on Monday, said her partner had spoken to Mr Leonard and his defeated rival for the top job Anas Sarwar.
Mr Leonard said he found out about her going on the programme on Saturday – the day he was elected leader – and said on Monday that his understanding was that his predecessor had sought permission from the party, but did not get it.
Ms Gilruth also used her column to repeat her call for the Levenmouth rail link to be re-connected.
Leven, which has high levels of social deprivation, is the biggest built-up area in Scotland that does not have direct access to a railway station.
