I'm more than prepared for her reaction. Your uncle fought for the independence of this office even though he was Minister. A two bit pseudo politician with no sense of the greater picture will not undue what he's done.
The Department will not pay any fines. Should she try to impose any, I'm prepared to charge her with violating the laws she is obligated to uphold. I can't imagine anyone will cry too hard if she were suddenly unable to fulfil her TEMPORARY duties because of incarceration.