Nick Clegg claims £115,000 allowance usually reserved for former prime ministers

Liz Bates

Nick Clegg has claimed a £115,000 allowance usually granted to former prime ministers.



The former Liberal Democrat leader was given access to the fund, which covers secretarial costs for ex-premiers arising from their special position in public life, after serving as deputy Prime Minister from 2010-15.

However, a leaked internal memo shows that a Cabinet Office recommendation to give Mr Clegg a reduced rate was ignored.

He was granted the expenses allowance after the Liberal Democrats were almost wiped out in the 2015 election and he lost his Sheffield Hallam seat.

Sue Gray, director-general of the propriety and ethics team at the Cabinet Office, recommended it was “set at a lower level” because of the “difference in roles and responsibilities between the PM and DPM”.

But the advice, released under freedom of information laws, looks to have been ignored.

The Cabinet Office said: “The public duty cost allowance was introduced to assist former prime ministers, still active in public life.

“It was extended to the former deputy prime minister for five years.”

A spokesman for Clegg responded: “The money he receives is spent entirely in line with its stipulated purpose — to provide administrative and operational support to a former deputy prime minister. Not a penny goes to Sir Nick personally.”

Mr Clegg was awarded a knighthood in the new year honours list.