SOMERSET MP Tessa Munt has responded after it was revealed she would earn nearly £100,000 a year.
Every MP, including Wells and Mendip Hills MP, Ms Munt, will receive a five per cent pay rise, taking her salary to £98,599 a year from April 2026.
READ MORE: Tessa Munt acknowledges importance of Weston steel firm to UK infrastructure
READ MORE: Taunton and Wellington MP responds to 5 per cent salary rise
The pay rise was made following an announcement by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) - an independent body which regulates MPs' business costs, salaries, and pensions.
In the announcement, IPSA also stated that it is aiming to continue raising MPs’ salaries in the coming years.
For example, the independent authority wants to give MPs a salary of £110,000 a year by the end of the current Parliament, which is due to end in 2029 at the latest.
Admitting to "having faced financial hardship in the past", Ms Munt MP has made a statement on the salary rise, confirming that she contributes some of her earnings to local charities.
Tessa Munt MP said: "It is an honour to represent the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency. I am tremendously proud of my 'patch', an area of incredible landscapes, great businesses, world-renowned and little local festivals, and most of all, the best people.
"There are large numbers of fantastic charities and fundraising events based here, and I try to attend as many as possible.
"From cake sales to carnivals, I am always happy to contribute where I can, and more broadly to support our local economy. One way I do this is to run my regular ‘surgeries’ in coffee shops, pubs and community cafés across the area.
"When it comes to MPs' salaries, let me be clear that these are set by IPSA – the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority – not by MPs themselves, political parties or the Prime Minister.
"Having faced financial hardship myself in the past, I know what it is to struggle and juggle work, family life and caring responsibilities. This informs and shapes much of what I bring to this role.
"I committed long ago not to claim all the expenses to which I am entitled. I have never taken this role, its privilege and responsibilities, for granted and I continue to do my best to support my constituents and endeavour to make our country work really well for Somerset’s residents.”
Share