Nigel Farage has been accused of hypocrisy after declaring he will take a taxpayer-funded EU pension.
The Sunday Times estimated that as an MEP, the former Ukip leader will be entitled to an annual pension of £73,000 when he reaches the age of 63. He is currently 53.
The pension could be part-funded by Britain’s estimated £50 billion “divorce bill” – if there is a Brexit deal.
Nigel Farage in Strasbourg (European Parliament/PA)
Asked on BBC1’s The Andrew Marr Show if he would accept the money, Mr Farage replied: “Of course I would take it. I have said that right from day one. Why should my family and others suffer even more.”
Mr Farage said he did not expect the money would ever be paid.
“Given the arbitrary way the European Union behaves in terms of money, I would be very surprised if I get any of it. I don’t think it will even occur,” he said.
He rejected the charge of hypocrisy, saying: “I have just voted to get rid of my job. I was the turkey that voted for Christmas. How is that hypocrisy?”
Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: “Nigel Farage is a shameless hypocrite. He rails against the so-called EU gravy train, but is happy to cash in when it suits him.
“No doubt he also secretly backs the £50 billion Brexit divorce bill that includes money to pay for his EU pension.”