Pincher: Disgraced former whip could net almost £8,000 in severance pay after quitting government job
Ministers who quit are entitled to quarter of annual salary
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Christopher Pincher is entitled to a severance payment of almost £8,000 as a result of his resignation as government deputy chief whip.
All ministers aged under 65 who leave office are entitled to a quarter of their yearly salary under the 1991 Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act.
With the deputy chief whip post worth £31,680 a year on top of the MP’s basic salary of £84,144, the Tamworth MP could pocket a payment of £7,920 as he returns to the backbenches.
The money is payable whether the individual is departing their government post as a result of resignation or dismissal.
But it is up to MPs to decide whether or not to accept the payment.
Former health secretary Matt Hancock reportedly turned down severance pay of around £16,000 when he quit over his lockdown-breaching affair with aide Gina Coladangelo last year.
Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: "Given the seriousness of the allegations facing Chris Pincher and the nature of his resignation, I would very much expect him to forgo his severance pay."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments