Steve Coogan criticised for ‘furloughing his gardener and housekeeper’ at £4 million country home

'He’s certainly a Conservative voter now,' MP Andrew Bridgen said

Steve Coogan has been criticised for allegedly furloughing the gardener and housekeeper he employs at his £4 million country house.

It’s been suggested that the Alan Partridge star is “taking advantage” of the scheme due to his staff being unable to travel to his house as the pandemic continues.

But, on Wednesday (20 May), Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen commented on Coogan’s decision to stop paying his staff, saying: “The furlough scheme is to protect businesses that are suspended and can’t operate during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’d be difficult to see how Steve Coogan’s earning potential has been diminished. The grass is still growing in his back garden and his house still needs cleaning.”

Bridgen said of the outspoken Labour supporter: “He’s certainly a Conservative voter now.”

A source close to Coogan’s staff told The Sun that it was impossible for them to keep working with the social distancing regulations that are in place.

“The workers are gutted they can’t make it in because of the coronavirus situation,” they said. “It was established it wouldn’t be possible to continue working with the social distancing measures in place.

“So Coogan took advantage of the furlough scheme while they’re unable to come in.”

Earlier this year, Coogan said he was nothing like the billionaire fashion mogul he plays in his film Greed “I pay for everything,” he said, adding: “I don’t get anything for free.”

Victoria Beckham reversed her decision to furlough 30 members of staff at her eponymous fashion brand after the move received much criticism

The Independent has contacted Coogan for comment.