Dock Donelan’s pay to foot £15,000 legal cost

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have called on Science Minister Michelle Donelan’s pay to be docked after it has been revealed £15,000 of taxpayers' money was used to pay legal costs and damages relating to academic Prof Kate Sang's libel action against her. 

The £15,000 could have funded 5,928 free school meals or 357 GP appointments for people who are seeing their public services crumble.

DSIT have now confirmed they paid £15,000 in damages but have still not revealed the full legal costs. 

Commenting Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: 

“This is nothing short of a scandal and we still don’t know the full legal costs. 

“If Michelle Donelan had a shred of integrity left, she would pay for this bill out of her own pocket instead of asking taxpayers to pick up the tab. If she refuses to do so, Rishi Sunak should dock her pay.

“This news will come as a kick in the teeth to people who are seeing their finances clobbered by the cost of living crisis while local health services are on their knees.

“This is yet another scandal that proves it's time to kick this sleaze-ridden Conservative Government out of office for good.”

ENDS