David Cameron’s previous Lords appointments have cost taxpayers staggering £13million
Former Prime Minister's expensive exit list is expected to empty the public purse by a further £440,000 a year
DAVID Cameron’s crony-packed Lords appointments have cost taxpayers more than £13million since he became PM, figures showed yesterday.
His 189 peers claim almost £28,000 each in expenses and allowances, according to research from the Electoral Reform Society.
And experts say the former PM’s exit list of 16 peers will cost the taxpayer £444,288 per year, for many years to come.
Last year alone the total cost of Cameron appointees was £3.04m, with the average peer claiming £24,088.
Mr Cameron has been blasted for his chum-filled list, finally published last week.
He dished out awards and peerages to 59 former aides and flunkies including an OBE for his wife’s assistant, knighthoods for two Cabinet ministers and gongs for Remain campaigners.
He even handed knighthoods to his top press adviser Craig Oliver and pro-EU Tory donor Andrew Cook.
Experts found in the first two months of 2016, the ex PM’s appointees claimed more than £840,000.
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And former MPs elevated to the Lords claim around £39,058 a year – compared to £25,823 for those who aren’t ex-MPs.
The research showed the taxpayers’ bill is getting larger – suggesting this year’s total will be even higher than last year.
Last night Will Brett of the Electoral Reform Society said research showed only 10 per cent of the public think the Lords should remain unelected.
He said: “David Cameron has left the taxpayer with a huge bill for many years to come.
For a Prime Minister concerned with cutting the cost of politics, it’s a sorry legacy.
“In a modern democracy, the only fair way to appoint lawmakers is to elect them.
"Let’s grasp the nettle once and for all and introduce an elected upper house.”