The SNP has called on the UK government to explain in front of a Commons select committee why a prominent expert was booted off the board of a government organisation.

It has been revealed that former non-executive director of the Money and Pension Service Mike Dailly will not be reappointed onto the board of the organisation – and an SNP MP has called on UK minister Therese Coffey to appear in front of the Work and Pensions select committee to explain whether this decision is because of Mr Dailly’s comments on Brexit or his support for Scottish independence.

Chris Stephens MP (pictured), who sits on the Commons Work and Pensions committee, said:

“Boris Johnson’s UK government has form in kicking out experienced civil servants because of their own personal views.

“This latest shameful sacking looks dangerously like a respected expert being booted out over their views on Brexit.

“While the Prime Minister seems incapable of sacking Dominic Cummings, who remains in office despite blatantly flouting the lockdown rules, his government seem to have a vendetta against any voice that could be seen to advocate for anything other than the Government’s agenda.

“The UK government can’t dodge scrutiny over this – they must appear in front of the Work and Pensions Select Committee to explain exactly why this decision was taken.”