Commons’ staffers in bonus boost

Inflation, fuel prices and a looming cost of living crisis: it’s a grim economic outlook for many out there. Fortunately, MPs are doing their bit to help, namely by giving extra cash handouts to the staffers in the offices. Steerpike has spotted that almost a million pounds – £951,000 – was shelled out in ‘reward and recognition’ payments last year, according to the 2020/21 figures from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

A follow up request from Mr S has established the identity of the most generous bosses in parliament, with Sir Keir Starmer in the top ten of the 352 MPs who sanctioned such payments last year. Top of the pile was mother of the House, Harriet Harman, with £6,775 in total payments to staff, followed by Jess Phillips in the silver medal position on £6,655 and Andrew Mitchell taking the bronze with £6,550. Fifth-most generous was Richard Burgon, who demonstrated his socialist credentials by lavishing £6,200 on his staff, while ninth-placed Sir Keir authorised £5,590.