Staggering pay rise means Welsh leader Carwyn Jones is now paid the same as David Cameron
- Welsh Assembly members to enjoy pay rises which will bring first minister's salary up to the level of prime minister David Cameron
- Labour politician Carwyn Jones will see his pay rocket to £140,000
- But Mr Jones is only in charge of devolved issues covering Wales
Welsh Assembly members are to enjoy inflation-busting pay rises which will bring the first minister’s salary up to the level of David Cameron’s.
Although Carwyn Jones, the Welsh first minister, is in charge only of devolved issues covering Wales, the Labour politician’s pay will rocket to £140,000.
This is only £2,500 less than the salary of the Prime Minister, who is in charge of all UK matters including policies concerning England alone.
Although Carwyn Jones, the Welsh first minister (left) is in charge only of devolved issues covering Wales, the Labour politician’s pay will rocket to £140,000 - just £2,500 less than Prime Minister David Cameron (right)
While Mr Jones heads up a population of just three million, Mr Cameron is head of government for 64 million.
It was confirmed yesterday that backbench members of the Welsh Assembly will benefit from an inflation-busting 18.5 per cent pay rise following next year’s election in Wales.
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Their salary will increase from £54,000 to £64,000 in May next year, under a proposal that is meant to take account of the fact that extra powers are being devolved to Wales.
This means Welsh members will earn just £3,000 less than the £67,000 taken home by Westminster MPs, who have much greater responsibilities.
It was confirmed yesterday that backbench members of the Welsh Assembly (pictured) will benefit from an inflation-busting 18.5 per cent pay rise following next year’s election in Wales
The huge pay increase was announced by the Welsh Assembly’s independent Remuneration Board yesterday, following two public consultations. There are no assembly members on the board and its decisions do not need the assembly’s approval.
The rise, first proposed six months ago, will cost taxpayers about £700,000 more next year. The pay rise has been criticised by trade unions and all parties.
Last night Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘We are trying to find necessary savings across government through serious restraint on salaries, so clearly now is not the time for a pay rise of this extraordinary size.
‘Taxpayers will also wonder why salaries for the most senior individuals in the Assembly are now approaching the same level as that of those in Downing Street. Basic common sense suggests that shouldn’t be the case.’
The news of the Welsh increase comes amid indications that Westminster MPs will see their pay go up by £7,000 – from £67,000 to £74,000.
The 10 per cent increase has been suggested by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, but Mr Cameron has said he hopes the watchdog reconsiders.
In the Scottish Parliament, MSPs receive a basic annual salary of £59,000 and members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, £48,000.
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