ACOBA: Lib Dems say ministerial payouts for disgraced ministers should be scrapped altogether

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Responding to reports that the Government is abolishing Acoba, a Liberal Democrat Spokesperson said:

"This is the right step after years of Conservative sleaze which did so much damage to standards in public life. Its lack of powers to enforce the rules it oversaw meant Acoba was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

"The Prime Minister must now go further - ban Ministerial severance payouts altogether for disgraced former ministers, as well as stripping Liz Truss of her access to the ex-PM allowance fund of up to £125,000 per annum.

"It shouldn't have taken a year to set up the Ethics and Integrity Commission - and there will be no excuse if the Government attempts to kick these vital issues into the long grass."

ENDS