Channel 5 News is at the centre of a pay gap row after signing Dan Walker on more money than his co-star Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the former BBC Breakfast presenter’s salary is more than Miss Vanderpuije’s despite them doing the same job on the network.

While sources at Channel 5 say Walker’s £500,000-a-year packet includes other projects than the news bulletin, he still earns more for that role than his female colleague.

Walker, 45, began reading the news along with Miss Vanerpuije – who began her role in 2018 – last month following the departure of Sian Williams. The pair are advertised as the show’s newsreaders on its website and across social media and appear to be on an equal footing. An insider said: ‘It has been the talk since Dan announced he was going to be reading the news along with Claudia-Liza – his salary is much more than hers.

‘It is surprising that this has happened in this current climate.

‘He might be more high-profile than her, but when they are reading the news they are doing the same job. They are equals if you look at Channel 5 News’ promotional activity. On their website, they are standing next to one another as the faces of the show.’

Channel 5 would not comment on the pay gap, but sources at the organisation point out that Walker is employed by the channel, while Miss Vanderpuije, 43, is a member of staff at ITN, the organisation commissioned to make the news bulletins. A source close to Walker insists he earns a similar salary to his predecessor Ms Williams.

Walker is expected to host entertainment shows for the channel which will be revealed in due course.

One is understood to be a quiz show as the network attempts to beat its rival Channel 4 on viewing figures. Walker said in March he was leaving the BBC where he earned a salary of £295,000 as the main anchor of Breakfast.