Ex-ministers duped over £10k-a-day jobs 'acted within rules'

The Levelling Up defended top politicians Matt Hancock, Kwasi Kwarteng and Sir Graham Brady who were set up by a fake company.

- Steph Spyro

FORMER Cabinet ministers seen on video asking for thousands of pounds to advise a bogus foreign firm did not break any rules, Michael Gove said.

Secretary including During the hoax by anti-Brexit campaign group Led By Donkeys, Mr Hancock and Mr Kwarteng set out six-figure sums for what they would expect to be paid to advise the "firm" in South Korea. According to a video released by the group on Saturday, Sir Graham said he was "thinking something like £60,000 as an annual rate".

MPs are permitted to seek employment outside Parliament and there is no accusation of wrongdoing.

Mr Gove said yesterday: "I think it is pretty clear that things that were offered and considered were within the rules. But inevitably, all of us will reflect on this and think the first duty of a Member of Parliament is towards their constituents.