Sussex MP Nus Ghani lands £20k salary for think tank job

Wealden MP Nus Ghani now works as a senior fellow at centre-right think tank Policy Exchange, new financial filings reveal.

She started working at the organisation on March 9, just weeks after she lost her job as Under Secretary of State for Transport in a Cabinet reshuffle in February.

Conservative MP Ms Ghani filed the notice on May 1, saying she will “provide advice on trade, maritime, security, and terrorism” at the think tank.

Wealden Lib Dems spokesman Chris Bowers said the MP’s new job is “breathtaking”.

“Nus Ghani’s decision to take up a private sector transport job within weeks of leaving the Department for Transport is yet another example of the distasteful ‘revolving door’ syndrome,” the former Wealden parliamentary candidate said.

“More importantly, it will stick in the craw of all those struggling to make ends meet in the current coronavirus crisis to see their amply-remunerated MP pocketing another 20 grand for old rope.

Wealden Lib Dems spokesman Chris Bowers said Ms Ghani's new job is 'breathtaking'

“Many of her constituents are having to make ends meet on nowhere near £20,000.

“The insensitivity is breathtaking, and it stems from the complacency that having such a large majority generates.”

The base salary for an MP is £81,932. But MPs are allowed to work elsewhere provided they register their employment.

Parliament’s code of conduct states all MPs must register any new financial interests “which someone might reasonably consider to influence their actions or words” within 28 days.

But according to the filing Ms Ghani registered notice of her new employment on May 1, 54 days after she was first employed.

Policy Exchange has influenced Government policy in the past, including the introduction of free schools during Michael Gove's terms as Education Secretary. Photo: Policy Exchange

When contacted by The Argus Ms Ghani said: “It was registered according to guidelines and furthermore as guidelines request I had sought consultation from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.”

The committee is a public body which advises ex-ministers on job applications elsewhere.

Policy Exchange confirmed Ms Ghani works at the think tank but declined to comment further.

The organisation is regarded as influential in Westminster.

Many of its suggestions have been adopted by previous governments including the creation of “free schools” run by charity trusts.

But it has been given the lowest possible rating by transparency group Who Funds You? as it does not disclose its financial backers.