It may also raise questions about Mr Hester’s long-term future at RBS, which he has run since it was rescued by the taxpayer in 2008. Mr Hester was said to have been concerned he was becoming a “pariah”. City sources suggested last night that he and members of the bank’s board had considered resigning because of the growing row over his remuneration. He had been in line for a bonus of shares worth almost £970,000, on top of his £1.2 million salary.