WHEN MP Sir Nicholas Winterton announced his plan to quit Parliament, Maxonians gave a mixed reaction.

But on hearing about his generous re-settlement expenses, many have called for his resignation to take effect immediately.

Elke Skeens, 66, from Macclesfield, said: "If this was any other business you would be asked to pack your stuff and go – you wouldn’t be able to hang around for another year.

"I don’t think any of the MPs should get this resettlement figure – if I lost my job they wouldn’t sack me and then say ‘but here, have this to help you settle down’.

"But if he did stand down it would require another election and I don’t know how realistic that would be."

But Rachel McKee, 36, of Delamere Drive, Hurdsfield, said Sir Nick should stand down immediately.

"He should be sacked for what he did and what they are all doing," she said. "The ones that approve the expenses are as bad as them too."

The mum-of-two added: "If somebody was on benefits and they claimed for more than they are entitled to they get taken to court.

"They are in a position of trust and we can’t trust them so they should step down now. I think it’s disgusting they should retire and get a resettlement."

Farmer Phillip Mook, 48, of Langley, said: "He’s not in my political party, but I thought he was a very good MP. I think he has made a fool of himself and everyone else.

"Without a doubt he should step down immediately and should be made to pay it back.

"I don’t think he should get any help to resettle – we don’t get help when we are made redundant or are sacked, they don’t say here’s a couple of quid for the next few months. I respected the man until now."

Julie Nolan, 42, a barber from Langley, added: "I think he should pay every penny back and should not accept any more – he’s got plenty of money already hasn’t he?"