BRACKNELL’S MP says he will not accept a pay rise worth more than £3,000 tipped for Westminster representatives.

Conservative James Sunderland has joined a number of MPs from his own party and other Westminster groups in rejecting the £3,300 increase.

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The hike has reportedly been proposed by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), a body independent from Westminster decision-makers.

But this proposal comes at a time when many people have lost jobs, are struggling financially or are trying to uphold businesses due to the pandemic.

Following a backlash from Tory MPs Nadhim Zahawi and Dehenna Davison, the News asked Bracknell MP James Sunderland whether he thought now was the right time for MPs to be getting a pay increase.

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He said: “I was not expecting a pay rise and certainly had not asked for one - in fact, I had no idea until the story broke last week that it was even on the radar.

“I agree that it's the wrong time.

“Parliamentary pay, including for staff and MPs, is regulated by IPSA and this is ultimately who the media should be lobbying.

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“It's been absolutely full-on for MPs during 2020 but this is what we are paid to do.

“I am comfortable not accepting the pay rise.”