Labour MP Jim Devine blamed a 77 per cent increase in NMC fees since 2007 on 'financial mismanagement'. In a House of Commons debate last week he said that NMC members and former members who raised concerns were themselves investigated aggressively.

Complainants feared 'incrimination, bullying and harassment' and trustees were 'systematically prevented from doing what they were supposed to do,' he added.

'Staff whose faces do not fit are subject to disciplinary action, paid off and required to sign confidentiality agreements. I have been told of two recent such payments of £100,000,' Mr Devine revealed.

He said the NMC's culture was reflected by the fact that 20 complaints and counter-complaints had been filed in the past year against eight current and two former council members. 'Given that there are only 23 members, that is completely disproportionate.'

He added that the NMC had spent up to £120,000 on such 'spurious complaints' in 2007 and suggested this had now risen to £300,000.

Mr Devine questioned the NMC's approach to governance. 'Standing orders are routinely put to one side to suit the position of the chief executive and prevent the council's consideration of legitimate business,' he said.

The chair of the council's audit committee had tried to block council members from some debates 'on the basis of their past voting patterns', Mr Devine claimed.

Health minister Ben Bradshaw said he took the issue 'extremely seriously' and had asked the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence to determine whether the NMC was fulfilling its statutory functions. He also called for the Charity Commission to investigate the NMC.

The NMC rejected the allegations. A spokeswoman said: 'We very much welcome the minister's assistance and the opportunity for independent scrutiny of our governance and operating processes.' She added that the NMC did not tolerate discrimination.

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