A former senior House of Commons clerk at the centre of a contractual controversy received a staggering £50,000 payout from the Metropolitan Police after a criminal investigation into her conduct was abruptly discontinued, the Daily Mail can reveal.
The revelation has ignited a furious political row in Westminster, with MPs and transparency campaigners demanding answers about the use of public funds and the circumstances surrounding the extraordinary payment.
The Contract at the Heart of the Storm
The controversy stems from a contract awarded to the official's husband's company during her tenure. The arrangement raised immediate red flags, prompting a internal parliamentary inquiry followed by a full criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
After a prolonged probe, the police unexpectedly dropped their investigation. It was subsequently disclosed that a £50,000 settlement had been paid to the former clerk by the force. The Met has stated the payment was made to avoid the prospect of costly legal proceedings, a justification that has done little to quell the anger.
A Political Firestorm Erupts
The disclosure has been met with outrage from across the political spectrum. Senior MPs have condemned the payout as a "gross misuse of public money" and a "slap in the face to taxpayers."
Critics are demanding a thorough explanation from both the Metropolitan Police and House of Commons authorities, questioning why such a significant sum was paid out after an investigation concluded without charges.
The scandal touches on broader concerns about accountability, transparency, and the management of public contracts within the hallowed halls of Britain's democratic institutions.
Key Questions Remain Unanswered
- Why was the investigation dropped? The Met has cited "evidential difficulties," but specifics remain undisclosed.
- Was the £50,000 payout justified? The police claim it was a financial decision to avoid higher legal costs, a common but controversial practice.
- What oversight was in place? MPs are questioning the internal processes that allowed the contractual situation to develop in the first place.
This developing story continues to send shockwaves through Whitehall, posing serious questions for the Metropolitan Police and Parliamentary authorities alike.
