Almost £1m spent on ministers’ golden goodbyes in ‘year of chaos’

ALMOST a million pounds in taxpayer money was given to ministers in severance pay in a “year of chaos” which saw the Conservatives change leader twice.

More than £933,000 was handed to outgoing ministers who quit or were sacked from the Government in the months when Boris Johnson was forced out of Downing Street, Liz Truss’s tenure ended after 49 days and Rishi Sunak eventually entered No10. Combined with the £2.9 million pounds spent on severance for special advisers, taxpayers spent £3.83 million during the year.

Figures compiled by Labour have revealed how much each minister was given in severance for the 2022-23 financial year. Some took the full threemonth payoff to which they were entitled, which stands at £16,876, despite having held roles for less than that amount of time. Others kept severance payments despite returning to Government weeks after leaving. While such behaviour does not break government rules, the figures show the impact of Tory infighting on the taxpayers.

Grant Shapps and Dominic Raab both took full severance despite returning to ministerial roles within three months of leaving office. Mr Johnson accepted £18,860 when he left No 10, as did Ms Truss after seven weeks in the role.

Chris Pincher claimed £7,920 after losing his job amid allegations he drunkenly groped two men. Peter Bone, who was ousted by constituents following bullying and sexual misconduct claims, accepted £5,593 in severance despite being over the age of eligibility for payment under the rules.

A government spokesman said: “There are long-standing rules in place to determine what ministers are entitled to receive as severance pay.”