MP hopes to give pay rise to good causes

Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Simon Reevell said it would be “hypocritical” for MPs to accept an 11 per cent pay rise.

Parliamentary watchdog Ipsa is set to recommend a rise of £7,600 to £74,000, to come in after the 2015 election.

Mr Reevell said: “I understand what Ipsa are trying to do but at this time it makes no sense to anybody.

“Ipsa was created to improve the image of politics but this makes politics look bad rather than good.”

Ipsa has previously said that said politicians’ pay must catch up after years of being held back.

But Mr Reevell said it would be unfair in light of pay freezes in the public and private sectors over the last few years. He added: “People are rightly outraged when they are being asked to buckle down.”

Ipsa does not need to get the agreement of Parliament to bring in the changes – but further consultation is still to take place.

Mr Reevell said he hoped to find a way to donate the extra cash to charities or other good causes in his constituency.

He said: “You can’t stop Ispa paying you but if they insist on doing it, we can make it work for the good of the community.

Mr Reevell said the recent Emley awards had shown how much good community and charity work goes in throughout the district.

“This money is paid for by the taxpayer so it’s important it’s made to work for the taxpayer,” he added.

Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood could not be reached for a comment.