MP pay rise: sensible idea but it won't happen |

Thursday 5th November 2009 | 14:59

MP pay rise: sensible idea but it won't happen

Increase in MPs salary would be fair, but political climate makes it unlikely

A rise in the salary received by Members of Parliament would be appropriate, although it is not seen as likely, according to Westminster insiders.

The reaction comes after The Daily Telegraph reported this morning that senior MPs were lobbying for a pay rise, in light of the recommendations in the Kelly Report which will strip MPs of many of the expenses they were previously entitled to.

Overall, 56% of insiders support the policy, whilst 43% oppose it.

Right-leaning insiders were in favour of the policy, left-leaning insiders were divided, and Liberal Democrat-aligned insiders were against.

The Phi100 surveys MPs, peers, strategists and think tank leaders, to determine the collective political sentiment at the highest level of British politics.

"Insanity after the mess over expenses"

A Conservative MP said, “I think MPs currently get paid about right.”

Another Conservative MP said, “Pay MUST now be decided by the Independent Regulator. It is however inconceivable that MPs’ salaries will continue to be significantly less than the salary of British MEPs in Brussels.”

A Liberal Democrat MP said, “I would support it, but only if that's what is externally and independently recommended.”

A left-leaning strategist said, “No. Many backbench MPs are lucky to get £65,000 that they wouldn't get in the real world.”

Another Liberal Democrat MP said, “It would be insanity after all the mess over expenses."

A right-aligned strategist said, “It should be £100,000 - otherwise you will simply get muppets, machine politicians and empty headed lobbyists. And then the nation would be truly sorry when they totally fail to provide any kind of leadership at all.”

"Not a chance in hell!"

However, a majority of insiders believe any pay rise will not happen for the foreseeable future. 51% believe this, whilst 39% believe a pay rise will happen in the next Parliament. Only 1% believe it will happen shortly.

“Not a chance in hell!” a Liberal Democrat MP said.

A Conservative MP said, “My best guess is that Prime Minister Cameron would find some way of stifling it: a man who's seen off his backbenchers as Leader of the Opposition should have the clout to do it again during his early years as Prime Minister.”

Another Conservative MP said, “It is supposed now to be decided entirely by the Senior Salary Review Body, but I think any government of either colour would try to block a significant rise - same old story.”

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