Should MP's and peers have a pay rise?..

Yes, I see what you're saying. The idea being people who are politically and ideologically motivated may do a better job than people who are financially motivated. And you may be right. But with the best will in the world I just cant see that many people running for election on that basis. An indictment of a greedy self serving society?

I think some MP's and indeed peers do a good job, unfortunately and thanks to the democratic process (In the commons) there isn't any mechanism in place to weed out those who are willing to sit back and enjoy generous pay and perks, and indeed pension. I will say this latest pay increase, in both houses, is not a good look and will not go down well with the public. 

Because you never quote me I never know when you respond, not to worry.

I think the current crop of MP's and in some cases the Lords, is a glowing example that experience is very necessary. I know it's very trendy for a young person to be an MP, or to be elevated to the Lords, but it's a recipe for disaster. Whether right or left I want the government to be filled with people who have life experience. 

Pay MPs £100k but ban them from doing other jobs whilst serving as an MP. Then link pay for MPs to the minimum wage, ie whatever percentage the minimum wage goes up by, MPs salaries go up by the same percentage. Thus their own self interest would align with a desire to improve pay for the struggling masses. £100K is a very attractive salary for most people so the notion that it is not enough to attract the talented is rubbish. It might not be enough to attract millionaire businessmen or top notch lawyers, but these are over-represented in parliament already so we certainly dont need more of them. What we need more of is intelligent people from less elitist sections of society, for whom £100k would be highly attractive. The problem is that local parties or party hierarchies don't want such people because they often put principles above doing what they are told.

What a great recipe for corruption and grift.

the fact only men of independent means were able to afford to stand for parliament was one if tbe reasons the chartists rioted.

That said i see no good reason for any of them to get the sort of pay, perks and particularly exemptions they do. As Clement Freud said he can remember when a member paid his secretary snd slept with his wife. Gordon Brown made it illegal for a businessman to pay his wife S660 ICTA yet almost all MPs employed family members snd Mohammed Asghar made it a condition of remaining in the party under which he won his seat under regional PR that he be bribed with jobs for his wife and daughter at party or public expense. His party leader refused so he crossed the floor to take the Tory bribe and whip.

Outside London MPs collect three to five times the salary of their constituents to do fuck all except walk through a doorway their leader demands.

Time for a pay cut i think.