Following the scandals linked to Owen Paterson and Sir Geoffrey Cox - accused of lobbying and earning ￡6million via a second job respectively - the Chancellor did not defend either man's actions.

       Mr Sunak said yesterday: "Pay is set by an independent body, that's absolutely right.

       "With regard to second jobs, there's an independent process that's set by Parliament... And it's absolutely right that that process is followed to the letter."

       What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea

       He added: "It's fair to say that we need to do better than we did last week, and we know that."

       Meanwhile, business minister Paul Scully told LBC that MPs should be allowed to have second jobs, but added: "Wrongdoing, paid advocacy and the like, needs to be absolutely stamped out."