More than 50,000 people have called for Iain Duncan Smith to resign after his government department made up quotes to support benefit cuts.

After starting on Friday (August 21), an online petition calling for the Chingford and Woodford Green MP to resign has already garnered 51,684 signatures.

Mr Smith came under fire last week after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was caught fabricating testimonials from fake claimants on a leaflet.

The Secretary of State for work and pensions has pushed forward his welfare reform programme that has seen millions of pounds slashed from the benefits bill.

The petition, which appears to have been signed by a number of people living outside the United Kingdom, aims to reach 55,000 signatures.

A statement from organiser “Beth G” said: “The people described did not exist, the photos were stock images, and the stories were fantasy.

“The government has lied to the British public… sanctions do not encourage people to get jobs.”

She adds: “Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is ultimately responsible for the actions of those in his department, who produced the propaganda leaflet containing lies, presenting a fantasy of positive stories about sanctions.”

Following a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by website Welfare Weekly, it was revealed that stock images and fake quotations were used on the leaflet to illustrate supposed claimants' support for sanctions.

One false testimony labelled “Zac’s story” said: "I let my work coach know in advance that I couldn’t go to our meeting because I had a hospital appointment.

"I had a good reason for not going to the meeting and proof of the appointment.

“My benefit payment hasn’t changed and we booked another meeting I could get to."

The DWP has now admitted the case studies were used for "illustrative purposes" and have been removed to "avoid confusion".

A spokeswoman, said: "The case studies were used for illustrative purposes to help people understand how the benefit system works.

"They’re based on conversations our staff have had with claimants.

"They have now been removed to avoid confusion."