The number of former ministers seeking jobs in the private sector has surged to levels not seen since the Tory government lost power in 1997, according to an official report yesterday.

The data prompted Tory claims that Labour MPs were trying to enhance their career prospects ahead of an expected period in opposition. "When former ministers are rushing to cash in on their experience in this way, you sense that they've lost faith in the prime minister and the likelihood of him staying in power," Chris Grayling, the Conservative frontbencher, said.