I have a dangerously radical idea, one that would instantly separate MPs who are actually in politics out of love for community and country from those who’ve mistaken Westminster for an all-inclusive luxury cruise.
What if MPs had to clock in, fill out timesheets, and justify their £93k salary?
An MP earns roughly £93,000 a year. Based on a standard 40-hour week, that’s about £45 an hour. For that sort of money, I’d expect a little more graft and a little less “I’ll just dial this one in from the sofa.” And yes, Nigel, that includes not working by proxy either. Revolutionary stuff, I know.
Here’s the concept: if MPs aren’t physically working in their constituency, they should be in Parliament. Wild. I know, right? And to make this madness measurable, all MPs should complete timesheets showing exactly how they spend their working day.
Before anyone faints:
– Breaks don’t count.
– Lunch doesn’t count.
– Party-promotion events don’t count.
Only the hours spent actually working for us—you know, the people paying the bill- should count.
Travel time? Nope, absolutely not. They already claim thousands in travel expenses and enjoy subsidised food. Do you get paid for commuting? Are you reimbursed for your food habit? No? Thought not.
Parliament is in recess for around 100 days a year, which is already generous by normal human standards, but fear not—MPs can still work a 40-hour week in their constituency during that time. The horror of it all; I can see them clutching their pearls already.
Naturally, they should receive 28 days’ holiday per year, which must be booked in advance like the rest of civilisation. If they’re ill, they get Statutory Sick Pay—£118.75 a week for up to 28 weeks. Again, just like everyone else who is bravely holding the country together without a chauffeur.
Yes, I realise this might severely interfere with their second, third, or fourth jobs—but tragic as that is, being an MP is supposed to be a full-time job, a calling. Not a side hustle. Not a networking opportunity. Not a stepping stone to the after-dinner speaking circuit.
Finally, they publish the timesheets. Come election time, voters can see which MPs offer the best value for money—just like any other product we buy. And let’s be clear: if we’re paying for it, then we are buying it.
Funny how accountability suddenly feels like an extreme sport when it applies to the people at the top.
