Over recent weeks, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has been considering whether to grant a pay rise to MPs. The decision whether to award a payrise is not taken by MPs or the Government but by IPSA. They have not yet made a decision but if a pay rise is granted, Richard will donate the pay rise to charity.
Richard said:
“I understand the concerns about a potential pay rise for MPs. I agree MPs should not be receiving any pay rise at this time. In some other countries MPs have taken a temporary pay cut – why haven’t we?
A pay rise for MPs at this time would be a dumb idea. IPSA was set up by Gordon Brown to assess MPs pay and has been a calamity with poor leadership and seemingly revelling in its tin ear as to how the public see these sort of decisions. As MPs have no power over IPSA, I hope the new Chief Executive will demonstrate a clearer understanding of the public mood than his predecessor.
If a pay rise is awarded, I shall donate the pay rise to charities.”
