'We do not reward failure': Ealing & Acton MP queries £420,000 severance pay for resigning ministers

The MP for Ealing Central & Acton has called into question the law that entitles ministers who resign to 25% of their full ministerial salary.

In the wake of dozens of resignations this week, it has been calculated that the total severance paid out to ministers could be as high as £420,000.

Rupa Huq MP, citing the sum reported by The Independent today in the House of Common, said "we do not reward failure" and asked if resigning ministers would forfeit their severance pay outs.

In the Commons, minister Michael Ellis implied there was little that could be done because the rules of severance pay are laid down into legislation. 

How individuals use their severance pay is likely to diverge, with some in their posts for longer than others.

Michelle Donelan, who resigned this morning having been appointed Education Secretary less than 48 hours ago, has said she will donate her £16.876.25 severance pay to "a local charity".