Ludlow MP Philip Dunne dubs pay rise extraordinary
A Shropshire MP today described the "significant" pay rise for MPs recommended by an independent panel as "extraordinary".
MPs have turned on the Commons' expenses watchdog after it recommended a rise in their pay to £74,000.
Education Secretary Michael Gove led a growing backlash against the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority's (Ipsa), calling it "silly".
As part of a wider overhaul, Ipsa proposed a pay hike of more than £6,000 or 9.26 per cent taking effect in 2015 and costing the taxpayer an extra £4.6m.
Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said: "I don't think MPs should set out their own pay so I am pleased we have an independent system, if we have an independent system we need to abide by what it says.
"I do think it is extraordinary they have come up with such a significant rise. Obviously it doesn't apply until after the next election.
"Personally, I have not claimed for many of the expenses which we are entitled to. I really don't know if it will go through, I don't think Parliament has the power to stop it unless we quash IPSA and, after going through all the difficulties from the expenses scandal after which IPSA was formed, I think that would be perverse and most unlikely.
"The rise is over two years away and I have to win an election first so I don't think the decision (whether to accept) is mine."
