A Parliamentary candidate who could lose out on £22,000 in taxpayer cash if she is not elected to a Trafford seat next month says it could leave her unable to pay her mortgage.

A leaked letter revealed MP Angela Smith, who is standing as the Lib Dem candidate in Altrincham and Sale West, has appealed for a change in government rules.

She could lose out on the cash if she's unsuccessful at the General Election on December 12. She says she is 'fighting for fairness in how MPs are treated'.

Ms Smith, who 'hates injustice', described her 'horror' at the thought of missing out on the money.

She previously served as MP for Sheffield Hillsborough, from 2005 to 2010.

Ms Smith is currently MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, having been elected to the seat in 2010.

She quit the Labour Party in February alongside six other MPs. They formed The Independent Group, later renamed Change UK.

(Image: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

In June 2019, she left the group to sit as an independent MP, before joining the Lib Dems in September.

Government rules state that if an MP loses their seat, they are paid two month's salary in a 'loss of office' payment.

The cash gives former MPs time to find alternative employment and adjust to life outside Parliament.

But, because Ms Smith is standing in a different constituency to the one she currently servces, she would not be entitled to the money if she is not elected in Altrincham and Sale West.

In a letter to the Parliamentary Standards Authority, which is the watchdog for MP's expenses, she expressed her 'horror' at the prospect of losing out on the cash.

She wrote: "I cannot underestimate my horror in finding the latest guidance these payments are only available if you stand in the same 'seat'.

"The implications of this are terrifying and may also affect my staff. Given that I had no option but to move to another party, I honestly consider that I am being discriminated against.

"I cannot also underestimate the financial stress it would place me under. I will not be able to meet my mortgage payments and many other bills I am liable for.

"It is terrifying me and I feel aggrieved that after serving our country for 14-and-a-half years I could lose everything because of this rule that would cost me around £22,000."

In 2009, Ms Smith was found to have claimed money back for four beds for her London flat.

(Image: M.E.N.)

She apologised in February after saying 'it's not just about being black or a funny tinge...' before breaking off and adding 'from the BAME community'.

In a statement, Ms Smith said: “This election is about the future of our country and my decision to accept an invitation from the Liberal Democrats to stand in Altrincham and Sale West was based entirely on my belief that stopping Brexit is essential if we are to secure a brighter future for Britain.

"Fighting for fairness in the way MPs are treated by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is legitimate and consistent with my values; I hate injustice and have always worked as an MP to help constituents who suffer discrimination.

"I am confident we can win in Altrincham and Sale West and am totally committed to representing the constituency as effectively as I can in Parliament.”

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