SIX former Merseyside MPs who stood down at the general election are due to share a pay-out of almost £270,000, according to independent estimates.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance has based its figures on a formula covering “resettlement grants”, which takes into account both length of service and age.

Their figures will reignite the row over MPs’ allowances, but it was stressed that in every case the outgoing politicians are receiving their legitimate entitlement.

Under the formula, older Merseyside MPs receive less than younger ones because of the potential loss of future earnings.

For example, former health minister Jane Kennedy, the previous MP for Wavertree, is due £49,222 at the age of 52, while ex-Wirral South MP Ben Chapman, 69, could receive up to £36,268.

Mrs Kennedy, who stood down after 18 years in the Commons after refusing to give Gordon Brown a “loyalty oath”, said she could not confirm the figure.

She added: “I am grateful for the resettlement grant because I am still looking for a new job.

“The trouble is there are a lot us ex-MPs competing for similar jobs in both public and private sector.”

She admitted it was a “lot of money” for many of her former constituents, but said it was what she was entitled to under her previous Parliamentary contract.

Mr Chapman, who stood down following claims made about mortgage payments he received wrong advice about, said: “I have not received the resettlement grant to my knowledge, but if I do it is clearly part of my conditions of service.”