What if those who set our pay packets earned no more than the people they represent?

This House Believes MPs Are Paid Too Much

Step into a debate that gets to the heart of privilege, public service and fairness: should Parliament’s most senior figures draw the same wages—or less—than the average worker?

At its core, this motion asks whether excessive remuneration for elected representatives:

• Erodes public trust, by creating a detached political class insulated from everyday pressures.

• Misallocates resources, diverting funds from frontline services into lavish salaries and perks.

🔥 In this heated exchange:

• Proponents will argue that lowering MPs’ pay would restore confidence in politics, make public office accessible to a broader social range, and ensure representatives face the same economic realities as their constituents.

• Opponents will counter that competitive salaries attract talent, safeguard independence (so MPs aren’t tempted by outside employment or influence), and recognise the full-time, high-responsibility nature of the job.

This isn’t just about cutting a chequebook—it’s about the very values we attach to leadership. Are MPs public servants or career professionals? Must representation come with a premium, or should it be a sacrifice?

Whether you’re campaigning for leaner government, defending professional politics, or somewhere in between, this is the debate that dares to ask: are MPs paid too much?