DISGRACED former Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has been hired as the manager of an energy firm just months after being released from prison.

The Government's ex-energy and climate change cabinet secretary has been working as the European manager of Zilkha Biomass Energy since July, according to the company's website.

He was jailed in March for eight months along with his ex-wife Vicki Pryce for swapping speeding penalty points so he could avoid a driving ban, but the pair were released in May.

The sustainable energy company says on its website that Mr Huhne is tasked with ''the remit of growing the business in the European Union''.

Mr Huhne has denied reports that his new role is earning him £100,000 a year.

He resigned from the Cabinet when he was charged with perverting the course of justice, and later quit as a Liberal Democrat MP, sparking a by-election in Eastleigh in February, and as a privy councillor.

The point-swapping, which dated back to 2003, emerged only when Ms Pryce approached newspapers after Mr Huhne left her for another woman.

He has kept a low profile since leaving jail.

Meanwhile last month Ms Pryce's had her honour for government service revoked by the Queen.

Ms Pryce was made Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in recognition of her contribution as head of the Government economic service.