MPs will be banned from employing family members under a review of parliamentary expenses in a move that has huge implications for Thanet's top two politicans.

Sir Christopher Kelly has recommended a ban on employing relatives be implemented within the next five years.

The move would effectively spell redundancy for the partners of Roger Gale and Dr Stephen Ladyman, the MPs for North and South Thanet respectively.

In a statement issued on behalf of several MPs' spouses, Suzy Gale, who has worked for her husband from his constituency office in Birchington since 1983, said: "We've explained in detail the work we do and believe we give value for money to the taxpayer; indeed, we're taxpayers ourselves.

"We're a highly professional group of people, dedicated to serving our MP's constituents. Like other workers, we have contracts of employment and our pay is scrutinised and approved by the authorities. If anyone wishes to follow an audit trail, our records of work are open and entirely transparent."

She added: "We hope the very real contribution that working spouses and other family members make to the smooth and efficient running of parliamentary and constituency offices can continue."

In a letter sent to the KM Group this week, Roger and Suzy Gale thanked local residents for their "generally supportive and in some cases extraordinarily generous" comments. The couple added: "We don't readily throw in the towel and we'll continue to do our best by those that rely on us for help and representation."

Dr Ladyman, left, who employs his wife Janet to work in his Ramsgate office, said: "Many of my colleagues are furious about the proposals; they think they're poor and unfair. But most of them think they can't speak out against them without making themselves even more unpopular. We've just got to deal with it and make sure the recommendations are implemented fairly.

"At the end of the day, the public were very angry about what they learned about MPs' expenses. Unfortunately, they don't just blame those MPs who made mistakes, they blame all of us, whether that's fair or unfair."

Other key proposals included in Sir Kelly’s report include allowing MPs to claim for rent but not mortgages, a ban on MPs living near London claiming a second home allowance and reduced travel claims.

The recommendations would be implemented by the new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which will have to consult MPs, although they are not required to vote to approve the plans.

The IPSA expects to complete its consultation process by next spring.