Ian Lavery, the Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington, has called for a ban on MPs holding second jobs, declaring that his basic parliamentary salary already makes him feel 'like a millionaire'. Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday, Lavery criticised colleagues for showing 'huge disrespect' to constituents by taking outside employment.
Debate on Second Jobs
The debate was brought by Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, who revealed that MPs had earned an 'eye-watering' £11 million in outside income since the last general election, with the top ten earners accounting for over £7 million. The discussion comes amid scrutiny of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who declared a £270,000 payment from a gold bullion marketer where he serves as a brand ambassador, adding to pressure over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne.
Currently, MPs are permitted to take side jobs but must register earnings over £300 per year and are banned from providing paid parliamentary advice on public policy. The Labour government tightened rules on lobbying in 2024 but stopped short of a full ban.
Lavery's Remarks
During the debate, Democratic Unionist Party MP Gregory Campbell questioned whether the public would accept raising MPs' salaries from £98,599 to £120,000 or £150,000 to discourage second jobs. Lavery responded, 'I feel like a millionaire, man! I'm so rich it's unbelievable! But I am representing my residents. People on the national minimum wage of £12.71 an hour, working a 40-hour week, are on roughly £26,416. That is what stress is.'
He added, '45% of people say they almost never trust any government, and 68% say second jobs should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. I agree with that. How can individuals go to the jungle in Australia to do “I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!”? It is absolutely disgraceful. It is a huge disrespect to the people we represent.'
Government Position
Labour Party chair and minister without portfolio Anna Turley told the debate that the government is 'committed to returning to a politics of service and to upholding the standards in public life that our constituents demand.' She noted that while immediate changes to lobbying were implemented, more work remains, and she welcomed the Modernisation Committee's ongoing efforts. Turley urged the next Prime Minister to consider legislation, stating, 'This government has the ability to draft and propose legislation and a big majority in the House.'
Impact and Next Steps
Lavery's strong support for a ban reflects growing public distrust in politicians, with polls showing that 68% of people believe second jobs should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between MPs' outside earnings and their duty to constituents, as well as the potential for further regulatory changes under the current government.
