MPs get a pay rise - but many refuse to accept the extra 10%

Updated
MPs House of Commons
MPs House of Commons



David Cameron faces a furious backlash after the 10% pay hike for MPs was confirmed today – despite the rest of the public sector being capped at 1% for another four years.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) said the issue of politicians' salaries could no longer be "ducked" and it is pushing ahead with the increase from £67,060 to £74,000.

However, the watchdog has climbed down on plans to link their pay to UK-wide average earnings in future – a move that could have left MPs £23,000 better off by 2020.

Instead they will be restricted to average rises in the public sector.

The proposals have caused bitter divisions among MPs, with some decrying the award and others arguing they have been underpaid for decades.

Here's what some of them had to say after the pay rise was announced in Parliament.

FOR

Tobias Ellwood (Foreign Office Minister)

MP pay rise Tobias Ellwood
MP pay rise Tobias Ellwood


"I know I speak for the silent majority (who are not millionaires) to say this increase is well overdue... I hope common sense will prevail and this pay rise will be honoured."

Keith Vaz (Labour MP and Home Affairs Select Committee chairman)

MPs pay rise Keith Vaz
MPs pay rise Keith Vaz



"I am supporting Ipsa's recommendations as they have been done independently of members."

Mark Field (Tory MP)

MP pay rise Mark Field
MP pay rise Mark Field

"Ipsa ... must work totally free from government influence."

Rory Stewart (Conservative chair of the defence select committee)

MP pay rise Rory Stewart
MP pay rise Rory Stewart

"In my view Ipsa was established precisely to take away the responsibility of this sort of decision from the hands of MPs ...

"MPs were traditionally unpaid. And Parliament predicted when salaries were introduced that it would be a source of continual public disappointment and anger, as it has been...

"My fundamental conclusion is that an independent body such as Ipsa is now and should be in the future the appropriate body to make recommendations – not MPs themselves.

"I believe Ipsa has conducted serious research and comparisons. I believe they are in a better position than MPs to be objective. I would accept their recommendation."

AGAINST

Alan Johnson (Labour former home secretary)

MP pay rise Alan Johnson
MP pay rise Alan Johnson

"It cannot be right that Members of Parliament receive such a substantial increase, which will damage our standing with the constituents we serve, and once again lead to the reputation of Members of Parliament being besmirched...

"Please think a bit again about this – at the very least you should put your report on hold with a view to implementing it when conditions allow."

Johnny Mercer (Tory MP)

Mp pay rise Johnny Mercer
Mp pay rise Johnny Mercer

"I wish to put on record my objection to this pay rise. It is not even close to being appropriate at a time of fiscal restraint.

"I understand the logic entirely – bringing Ipsa standards back into line with other industries. However whilst public sector pay remains frozen, I will object at every opportunity."

Gloria De Piero (Labour frontbencher)

MP pay rise
MP pay rise

"If I were to accept a 10% pay rise I would simply not be able to look the constituents I serve in the eye. I believe the vast majority of them would quite rightly be appalled.

"I strongly urge Ipsa to provide a mechanism for MPs who wish to return any additional salary they receive that is over and above the amount awarded to other public sector workers in pay settlement to the Treasury so it can be put to better use."

Alison Thewliss (SNP MP)

MP pay rise Alison Thewliss
MP pay rise Alison Thewliss

"I would like to make absolutely clear that I am personally extremely uncomfortable with this rise. I did not ask for it and I do not want it. With cuts to services across the UK and the impact of austerity being felt in the communities I represent, there is no justification for such a rise.

"It is rightly hugely unpopular with the public, and does nothing to restore the reputation of MPs which was so damaged by the expenses scandal. I urge you to reconsider."


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