Clegg forced to defend staff costs

The Deputy Prime Minister’s staffing costs for 2010/11 were £1,028,487, according to figures he gave in a parliamentary answer.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann, who asked the question about Mr Clegg’s office costs, said it was a “total waste of money” and called on the Deputy Prime Minister to cut his spending.

He said: “It’s a lot of money for a bag carrier. I think it’s a total waste of money. He should immediately take steps to significantly reduce it, the way he is cutting everything else. It’s an overblown bureaucracy.”

The latest information from the Cabinet Office revealed that Mr Clegg’s office included five special advisers, with salaries totalling as much as £377,621.

Mr Clegg said: “The total staffing cost for my office in 2010/11 was £1,028,487.”

A spokesman for Mr Clegg said: “The Deputy Prime Minister is the most senior member of the Government after the Prime Minister, and keeps a full overview of the business of Government.

“Together with the Prime Minister, his role is to ensure the co-ordination and delivery of Coalition policy across Government, and it is to be expected that the level of staff support he receives reflects that.

“In common with the rest of the Civil Service, the Deputy Prime Minister’s office keeps a tight rein on spending, and efficiencies are sought wherever possible.”