Nigel Farage has rejected accusations of hypocrisy after saying he would accept a taxpayer-funded EU pension if offered.

It comes after The Sunday Times estimated that as an MEP, the former Ukip leader will be entitled to an annual pension of £73,000 when he reaches 63.

Asked on the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show if he would accept the money, Mr Farage, who is currently 53, replied: "Of course I would take it. I have said that right from day one.

"Why should my family and others suffer even more," he added

The pension could be part-funded by Britain's estimated £50 billion "divorce bill" - if a Brexit deal is agreed.

The issue came up during a discussion about the Sunday Times' article. Credit: BBC/The Andrew Marr Show

But Mr Farage said he did not expect the money would ever be paid.

"Given the arbitrary way the European Union behaves in terms of money, I would be very surprised if I get any of it. I don't think it will even occur," he said.

He also rejected the charge of hypocrisy, saying: "I have just voted to get rid of my job. I was the turkey that voted for Christmas. How is that hypocrisy?"

Mr Farage, pictured in the European Parliament, has been a vocal critic of the EU. Credit: PA

Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: "Nigel Farage is a shameless hypocrite. He rails against the so-called EU gravy train, but is happy to cash in when it suits him.

"No doubt he also secretly backs the £50 billion Brexit divorce bill that includes money to pay for his EU pension."