Labour leadership race: MPs’ 10 per cent pay rise rejected by Andy Burnham, Liz Kendall and Yvette Cooper
The three frontrunners in the Labour leadership race have rejected plans for a 10 per cent increase in MPs' pay, putting pressure on David Cameron to block the raise.
Liz Kendall, Yvette Cooper and Andy Burnham have all rejected the pay rise. Burnham, the favourite to succeed Ed Miliband, announced his decision on Twitter – saying he would either reject the extra £6,700 or give it to local groups.
I have always been clear that 10% pay rise for MPs cannot be justified. I won't accept it. Will turn down at source or give to local groups.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 3, 2015
The 10.3 per cent pay rise was recommended by the MPs' pay watchdog, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa).
David Cameron performed a U-turn on the matter, backing down from his previous opposition to the rise in order to pacify his backbenchers.
As well as the two Labour leader candidates, other MPs have also announced they would reject the pay increase.
Stella Creasy, one of the MPs seeking Labour's deputy leadership, said she would reject the extra pay, which takes MPs' salaries to £74,000.
MP pay rise unjustifiable – if it goes through will let my Walthamstow residents panel decide how to spend it on our local area !
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) June 3, 2015
Previously, the Prime Minister – who would receive a five per cent increase to his pay – said that Ipsa's plans were "simply unacceptable" at a time of wage restraints for public sector workers.
The document released by Ipsa, which backs the pay increase, said:
We remain of the view that it is right to increase MPs’ pay to £74,000 for all the reasons we set out in December 2013 and which we summarise above.
Subject to any new and compelling evidence arising from this review, we therefore intend to implement the determination as currently drafted, with a one-off adjustment in MPs’ pay to £74,000 and subsequently linking it to changes in average UK earnings for the remainder of this parliament.