Donelan must pay libel action costs herself 

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have called on Science Minister Michelle Donelan to pay the damages and legal costs relating to academic Prof Kate Sang's libel action against her herself. 

The party has also called for a Cabinet Office inquiry. It comes after reports the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said that taxpayer money was used to pay legal costs and damages.

Commenting Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: 

“Having the taxpayer shell out for Michelle Donelan’s damages and legal costs is nothing short of a national scandal. 

“We need urgent answers from the Government but above all, Donelan must pay for this out of her own pocket. The actions she took were clearly outside and beyond her Ministerial brief. 

“Over the years we’ve seen a carousel of Conservative Ministers taking the taxpayer for a ride, from countless severance payments for disgraced sackings to this blatant misuse of taxpayer money. It’s time to kick this sleaze-ridden Conservative Government out of office for good.”

ENDS