Departing Conservative ministers handed over £410,000 in redundancy pay
EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE Former Conservative ministers are set to be handed more than £410,000 in redundancy payments, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats have revealed. This includes £18,860 for Boris Johnson, £16,876 for former cabinet ministers including Priti Patel and Michael Gove, and £14,491 for the former Solicitor General Alex Chalk. The Liberal Democrats have called on Johnson and other outgoing ministers to forgo the thousands of pounds in redundancy payments, so the money can be used to support struggling families instead. Under the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, those resigning from office are entitled to 25% of the annual salaries they were paid when holding that office. Analysis by the Liberal Democrats suggests that, across government, this will lead to a total bill to the taxpayer of at least £410,642. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine, said “It is outrageous that as families cut back on food and heating, outgoing Conservative ministers are being awarded thousands of pounds, many of them after just a few weeks in the job. “It seems Liz Truss is against handouts for the British people, but not for her Conservative colleagues. Once again it’s one rule for Conservative MPs, another for everyone else. “Former ministers are given financial security, while struggling families and pensioners are facing economic chaos, higher bills and collapsing health services. “Outgoing Conservative ministers should do the decent thing and pass up their payoffs for the good of the country.” ENDS Notes to Editor First reported in the Mirror |
