Matt Hancock claims the "big cheque" isn't the reason he's decided to take part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! while insisting he's not gone insane.
The backbench MP who had previously served as Health Secretary under Boris Johnson's cabinet had remained tightlipped when greeted by members of the press at Brisbane Airport.
However, just hours after having the Tory Whip removed from him for taking part in the ITV show, Hancock, 44, has broken his silence and he claims he's not that bothered about the large sum of money.
Although the fee he receives is believed to be going to charity, he insists that he has one reason for thrusting himself back into the spotlight once again.
Writing in a personal opinion piece for The Sun, he said: "The truth is, I haven’t lost my marbles or had one too many Pina Coladas.
"It's something I've given a lot of thought to," before explaining that as an elected minister, it's important for him to "engage" with voters.
Matt went on to explain that many people wouldn't be aware that he is dyslexic and has been campaigning behind closed for children with dyslexia to receive more support.
He continued: "I want to raise the profile of my dyslexia campaign to help every dyslexic child unleash their potential — even if it means taking an unusual route to get there, via the Australian jungle!
" I'm A Celebrity... is watched by millions of Brits up and down the country.
"I want to use this incredible platform to raise awareness, so no child leaves primary school not knowing if they have dyslexia."
The MP said he hopes by discussing his diagnosis with his campmates, he wants to gain more support for his Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill and to also educate the public on the condition which affects as many as one in ten people.
Despite previous reports earlier this year suggesting Matt had been in talks to join up, he says he had turned down producers on two occasions but last week had a change of heart.
Matt, who was famously outed for having an affair and breaching his own lockdown laws went on to reveal that he will be donating part of his fee to St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk as well as supporting several causes supporting dyslexia.
He will also be disclosing his fee to Parliament – as each MP has to do.
Having recently landed in Australia just days before the show kicks off, Matt had no desire to take part in the show due to the mess of the last government but after Rishi Sunak "stabilised" the government, he agreed to take part.
I'm A Celebrity returns to ITV at 9pm on November 6.
