A rogue breast surgeon who performed unnecessary operations on more than 1,000 patients is set to lose his £1 million pension pot.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has reportedly decided to strip Ian Paterson of his taxpayer-funded pension - using rules that permit NHS benefits to be forfeited in cases of criminal, negligent or fraudulent acts.

According to The Sunday Times, the decision must be authorised by the Secretary of State, with the offences being deemed so severe they result in a “serious loss of confidence in the public service” or are considered “gravely injurious to the state”.

“Butcher” Paterson is serving a 20-year jail term after his 2017 conviction for crimes that took place over 14 years.

The once-leading surgeon worked for the NHS in Birmingham and Solihull, building a practice at two private hospitals run by Spire Healthcare.

An inquest is due to start this month, looking at the deaths of more than 60 women previously under Paterson’s care.

It is expected to last for two years and will consider whether they died unnatural deaths as a result of his actions.

Coroner Richard Foster, who will chair proceedings, said he “had reason to believe” sub-standard care by Paterson had caused or contributed to the deaths of women.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "These were appalling crimes and we are assisting His Majesty's Coroner with the inquests concerning the tragic deaths of patients previously treated by Ian Paterson. We offer our sincere condolences to the families.

"Cases like this are fortunately rare but this Government will prioritise patient safety to ensure everyone receives the high-quality, safe treatment they deserve.

"We understand families' frustration and recognise that significant improvements to patient safety are required. This Government is working urgently to ensure all lessons from this terrible case are being learned."

The news of the pension removal comes after reports Paterson will spend the rest of his sentence in an open prison. He could be released as soon as 2027 after serving half of his sentence.