A LABOUR MP, whose complaint led to an investigation into Basingstoke MP Maria Miller’s expenses, has called for the former Culture Secretary to reject a severance pay package.

As reported on The Gazette website, Mrs Miller resigned from her position as Culture Secretary, this morning following the public row over her public expenses.

In a letter of resignation to Prime Minister David Cameron, the MP said the controversy “has become a distraction from the vital work this Government is doing”.

But under Parliamentary rules, Mrs Miller is entitled to a lump sum of almost £17,000 that is worth three months of her £68,000 ministerial salary, which is in addition to her Parliamentary salary, and by law but can opt to not take it.

John Mann said: “In February, I tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for Ministers’ severance packages to be scrapped. It is a ridiculous and outdated practice to pay off Ministers when they return to the backbenches.”

He added: “In light of Maria Miller’s conduct, it would now be inappropriate for her to claim severance pay following her resignation. For her to accept a pay-off would be a further insult to the tax payer.”