A “SACK Esther McVey” campaign has been revitalised after the shock revelation that she sits on the advisory board of the Samaritans.

Now Work & Pensions Secretary, the then disabilities minister was responsible for attacking the benefits of 1.2 million disabled people under the Con-Dem coalition.

Her benefit “sanctions” policy was blamed for suicides among benefit recipients who faced destitution after losing their income. Samaritans charity workers offer a listening ear to people in emotional distress, particularly those contemplating suicide.

Ms McVey lost her Wirral West seat in 2015 after a sustained campaign by trade union and labour activists that exposed her role in the attacks on disabled people, but in the 2017 election she was given the safe Tory seat of Tatton in Cheshire, which she held with a majority of more than 14,000.

Prime Minister Theresa May promptly promoted her to Work & Pensions Secretary, giving her even more power to attack vulnerable people.

The Sack Esther McVey campaign has now switched from Wirral to Tatton.

Campaign convener Alec McFadden said: “The fact that she is on the Samaritans’ advisory board could not be more ironic, considering the number of people driven to suicide by her inhumane policies.”

A Samaritans spokesman said: “Esther McVey joined Samaritans’ advisory board when chair of the British Transport Police Authority, which is one of the partners we work with to reduce suicides in the rail environment.

“Our advisory board provides informal support to Samaritans, helping us increase our potential to influence and fundraise.”