Angela Rayner was accused of wasting public money after her partner was ferried around by her taxpayer-funded bodyguards in a BMW. Images show the former deputy prime minister’s protection officers helping ex-Labour MP Sam Tarry move boxes and bags between his and Ms Rayner’s properties in Brighton and Hove.

But Ms Rayner, who quit Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet last month in a row over her tax affairs but has kept her security due to safety fears, was not seen. The pictures have sparked criticism from opposition parties and campaigners.

Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty told the Mail on Sunday: “Highly trained close-protection officers shouldn’t be moonlighting as removal men.

“The public will be astonished at this outrageous waste of taxpayers’ money and appalled at such shameless behaviour.

“Angela Rayner’s arrogance has already cost her her ministerial career. Her sense of entitlement shows calls by senior Labour figures last week to bring her back are very poorly judged.”

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, called for a probe into the photos.

He said: “It’s right that politicians in need of security are provided with it. But with that comes a responsibility not to abuse that system.

“Given the details of this story, it’s clear there needs to be an investigation to check that no rules were broken.”

It comes after Ms Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister, housing secretary and deputy Labour leader last month in a row over her tax affairs.

A spokesman for Ms Rayner said: “Angela has a heightened and active security risk, and her property in Hove has been attacked with misogynistic and extremist graffiti.

“Mindful of the ongoing risks facing Angela, the security team facilitated her partner moving a small number of her possessions into a vehicle to minimise risk to her security.

“The close-protection team may undertake tasks based on the assessment of the situation and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the person they are protecting.”

A Commons spokesman said: “We do not comment on individual MPs’ security arrangements.”