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Both Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarten received thousands of pounds in severance pay after leaving government with disastrous mini-budgets, official figures show.
The former prime minister, who received £18,660 in severance pay after resigning in October after causing economic turmoil, received £16,876 after being sacked by Mr Truss 11 days ago over an ill-fated tax cut.
Truss’ controversial dismissal of top Treasury official Sir Tom Schorer in September is believed to have damaged confidence in financial markets, costing the government nearly £500,000 (about £457,000) in severance payments and other payments, the ministry’s annual accounts show.
The Treasury Department’s annual report released on Thursday showed that Sir Tom had received £335,000 in severance pay for the dismissal of his permanent secretary, as well as £122,000 in annual leave allowances, payments in lieu of notice and other payments.
Boris Johnson also received a £18,660 stipend after Partygate and other scandals led to dozens of ministers resigning and being ousted as prime minister.
Christopher Pincher resigned as deputy chief of staff in June 2022 over allegations of groping two men at the Carlton Club, signaling the end of Mr Johnson’s premiership, but received a £7,920 severance pay.
Rishi Sunak also received a £16,876 stipend after Johnson resigned, but later repaid this amount.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “This is a slap in the face for everyone who has seen mortgages soar because of Truss and Kwarten’s disastrous mini-budgets.
“It is frankly insulting that tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayer cash are being showered on those responsible for the economic woes, while people are struggling with a cost of living crisis.
“If there was any semblance of integrity left among these disgraced former Conservative ministers, they would return this stipend.”