DO YOU support Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce’s comments about the London Living Wage?

The politician drew criticism from some readers after she said the £8.80 threshold should be mandatory for workers in the capital whilst others rushed to defend her local links.

The Greater London Authority’s Living Wage Unit has calculated the London Living Wage (LLW) to be the hourly rate employees need to earn to cover their basic cost of living in the city.

Online commentator Virtual-Monster said: “As if this parachuted Princess knows anything about the London Living Wage (except of course what she has been told by those politicos who she is surrounded by).”

SidcupResident said of Pearce’s comments: “Whilst at the same time asking for an 11 per cent pay rise.”

However her stand on the London Living Wage (LLW) drew support from other commentators and Twitter users.

News Shopper forum user Stillness&Speed said: “Teresa has never asked for a pay rise, actually.

"She came out against the proposed pay increase immediately after it was announced, and she should be given credit for that.”

Meanwhile another reader pointed out the politician’s strong local credentials.

Sidcupite said: “The seat went to Teresa, the local candidate, as she’s lived in Erith for 30 years. If that doesn't make her local, then most people living in Bexley will never be local.

“I even remember Teresa being a Bexley councillor about 10 years ago or so. She’s definitely no parachutist.”

Twitter user @xnikkixpetex23h agreed with the MP.

She said: "It should be a legal requirement, otherwise they won't voluntarily spend more on wages, surely!?

“It should definitely be mandatory!! Otherwise it's a bit pointless for the ones of us still on minimum!“

Mayor Boris Johnson increased the LLW this week by 25p to £8.80.

Read the original article here.

What do you think?