Craig Mackey will have pension pot 12 times bigger than murdered Keith Palmer’s widow

THE police chief who failed to go to help murdered Keith Palmer is in line for a pension pot 12 times bigger than that of his widow.

Deputy Met commissioner Sir Craig Mackey was accused of cowardice for locking himself in his car in the Westminster attack.

Based on current earnings he could pocket up to £154,000-a-year, or £12,800 a month, when he retires in December.

Michelle Palmer, 35, is believed to be left with £12,757 a year widow’s pension.

Retired Det Chief Insp Mick Neville, who spent 28 years in the Met, said last night: “When the public look at PC Palmer’s bravery to stop a terrorist, then the contribution of Mr Mackey they will judge themselves who deserves the most pension.”

Sir Craig, 56, was yards from unarmed PC Palmer, 48, when he was stabbed by jihadi Khalid Masood last March. Sir Craig was acting Met Commissioner at the time, earning £225,657 a year.

He will avoid any potential disciplinary action when he leaves after 34 years’ service.

Insp Matt Webb, of the Sussex Police Federation, said his actions on that day were unforgivable and called for him to be stripped of his knighthood.

Online pranksters altered a pic of Sir Craig getting his gong, replacing it with a white feather — a symbol of cowardice.

Met chief Cressida Dick said: “Sir Craig had absolutely no opportunity to save PC Palmer.”

And coroner Mark Lucraft QC told last week’s inquest Sir Craig couldn’t have done anything to stop the attack.

Scotland Yard’s counter-terror chief Neil Basu branded the cowardice claims “abhorrent”.

Sir Craig said he remained in the vehicle with two civilian colleagues because they had no protective equipment or a radio.

He tried to get out of the car but was advised by an officer on guard at the site to leave.

Michelle Palmer says her husband “was left at a vulnerable location with no protection to die.” He was carrying only a truncheon and CS spray.

She should have received a lump sum of £114,000 from the Met for his death. It is understood that they are considering a civil action for damages.

Masood’s rampage left five dead. Friday’s inquest verdict at the Old Bailey found he was lawfully killed.

A Met spokeswoman declined to comment on the pensions.