Francis Elliott, Deputy Political Editor
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Gordon Brown has instructed ministers to help to put down a revolt by MPs determined to vote themselves an above-inflation pay increase.
The Prime Minister told his Cabinet on Tuesday that he expected all members of the Government to attend the division in two weeks’ time.
Harriet Harman, the Leader of the House, signalled yesterday that MPs may be stripped of the ability to set their own pay. The vote on January 24 was “possibly the last time” they will have the final say on their remuneration, Ms Harman said as she announced a review into the procedure on setting salary levels.
A report on MPs’ pay, pensions and allowances will be published on Wednesday. It is expected to recommend a 2.8 per cent increase on the current £60,675 a year.
The Prime Minister has given warning that an above-inflation increase would undermine efforts to hold down public sector pay and wants the increase limited to 1.9 per cent.
Ms Harman was given a difficult reception by Labour MPs at a private meeting on Monday when she spelt out Mr Brown’s position. Conservative MPs are also irritated by their leader’s stance. Mr Cameron’s remark that he would be willing to be an MP for “half the money” helped to fuel Tory anger.
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They're not worth an above-infaltion pay rise but this is (supposed to be) a free country and for Brown to do this is typical of the control freak nature of both he and Blair. This should be a free vote.
Roger Tilbury, Worthing,
Over paid and darn right bloody greedy, if this bunch of MPs get a bigger rise than all other public servants them we should all down tools and let them know they can get stuffed.
D case, Newquay,
All MPs should be grateful to be an MP for half the money - that is still 10 times what they're worth.
David Russell, Sheffield, South Yorkshire