KEZIA Dugdale is facing further backlash for entering the I’m A Celebrity jungle, after an advert circulated describing her as an “open and accessible MSP.”
Conservative councillor Mark Brown tweeted a photo of the ad in freesheet The Speaker on Wednesday which promotes the Lothian MSP’s open surgery – despite her being 9,000 miles away.
Mr Brown stated that he can’t comment himself but that a friend said that she was “hardly accessible the now”, referring to the fact that she in on the other side of the world.
Ms Dugdale entered I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here as a late arrival alongside comedian and radio presenter Iain Lee last week.
Her participation in the show sparked criticism for not being available to her constituents during her stint in the Australian jungle.
The Speaker is produced in the Lochend, Restalrig and Craigentinny areas of Edinburgh by community hub charity ‘The Ripple’.
The Tory councillor for Drumbrae/Gyle in Edinburgh was sent the newspaper advert by a friend who was of the belief that it had appeared at an inappropriate time given that she is not available.
He tweeted a photo of the ad and said: “Friend writes ‘the local free paper just now and spotted this ad.
“Hardly an accessible MSP the now, is she?’ Wouldn’t be for me to comment.”
Two social media users responded to the post.
Grim O’Grady said: “‘What’s the best veg to serve with Kangaroo penis?’ asked nobody in her constituency.”
Darren turned the tables, asking: “How many has @RuthDavidsonMSP held since May 2016?”, receiving no response.
Asked for comment on the situation, a spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: “Anyone seeking the help of Kezia Dugdale in her role as an MSP will be waiting a long time for an answer.
“The fact these adverts are circulating reminds the Lothians public what a let-down of a representative she really is.”
A spokesman for the former Scottish Labour leader today defended her commitment and stated that help remains available for any constituent who may need it.
He said: ““Kezia has held over 30 public advice surgeries across the Edinburgh area this year alone, including five throughout the month of November.
“Her parliamentary office remains open and fully staffed, continuing to take on new cases and advance existing ones.
“Kezia Dugdale is committed to be being an open and accessible MSP and will be hosting public advice surgeries in the Scottish Parliament for constituents on December 18 following her return to Edinburgh.”
Ms Dugdale advertises her surgeries and contact details in a number of local and community newspapers across the Lothian region.
Adverts are taken out on a quarterly basis and contain general advice on how to contact her and where to find details on her next surgeries.
The ad in The Speaker was promoting her December surgeries which will take place after she returns from the jungle.
Much of the criticism of Ms Dugdale has come from within the Labour party, with fellow MSP Neil Findlay calling the decision “ludicrous” and MP Jess Phillips calling her a “hypocrite”, given she previously called Tory MP Nadine Dorries “daft” for going on the show.
It has been reported that I’m A Celebrity bosses have been unhappy with Kezia’s performances on the show having reportedly paid her just under £100,000 for taking part.
They had hoped she would create drama or debate but feel that she has had no impact.
Before going into the jungle she admitted that her fee was “not in any sense small” but that she would be donating part of it to charity.
