Chief: Stephen Hester banked a £2m bonus last year. Pic: © STV
Labour leader Ed Miliband has called on David Cameron to block any million pound-plus bonus payout to the chief executive of the predominantly state-owned Royal Bank of Scotland.
Mr Miliband sought to pile on the pressure on the Prime Minister over bank bonuses, challenging him to ensure Stephen Hester did not receive another seven-figure award.
Mr Cameron said last week that any bonus paid to Mr Hester would be a "lot less" than the £2m he was given last year, but would not go further.
His comments came after Sir Philip Hampton, the chairman of the bank which is 83% state-owned, said a report that the board wanted to pay Mr Hester between £1.3m and £1.5m was "inaccurate and premature".
In an interview with The Observer, Mr Miliband said it was now up to Mr Cameron to make sure there was no award on that scale.
"David Cameron has said on numerous occasions that he would stop banks paying out big bonuses. He has also called upon shareholders to stop excessive executive pay," he said.
"The best thing that could happen is that top management at RBS recognises the need for restraint. But if it doesn't happen, Cameron should act to stop Stephen Hester being paid a bonus of this scale.
"David Cameron will be judged by his deeds, not his words."
People who read this story also read
-
Salmond wants 'positive relationship of equals' with England
First Minister Alex Salmond says independent Scotland would share monarch, currency and and a 'social union' wth England.
- Man in critical condition after 'sustained and prolonged' attack
