Family members of MPs are being paid £5,600 more on average than other staff, the parliamentary watchdog has revealed, with many south east London and North Kent MPs in favour of the relationship.
In total, one in every four MPs employed a relative or close business associate over the last two terms costing the taxpayer £21m between May 2010 - March 2015, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) found.
The IPSA report also highlights public frustrations with such connected parties i.e. family members and those with a close business connection to an MP, including pay related to travel and accommodation.
To make matters more embarrassing for Westminster, pay of such “connected parties” has also risen at twice the rate of other staff.
On the overarching issue of hiring family, most south east London and north Kent members support the idea.
James Brokenshire MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup
Speaking to News Shopper on the issue, Old Bexley and Sidcup MP and Minister for Security and Immigration, James Brokenshire, said: “Each MP has to decide who is most appropriate to employ in support of their work for their constituents within the rules set down by IPSA.
“Where a close family member is employed a specific declaration must be made.
“I think this is absolutely right as it provides transparency and accountability.”
Gravesham MP Adam Holloway
Another MP that agrees is Gravesham's Adam Holloway, who said: “A friend of mine employs his wife.
"From what I see of them, this is very good value for the taxpayer as she is engaged in serving the constituents as much as he is – which is 7 days a week most weeks.
"I call that better value than 9am to 6pm 5 days a week.”
Greenwich MP Matthew Pennycook
However, Greenwich MP, Matthew Pennycook, doesn’t share such optimism.
Mr Pennycook said: “I think IPSA should review the current rules with regard to the employment of connected parties.”
All three MPs have confirmed that they have never hired a family member to work for them.
The current review showed that 203 different connected parties were employed at some point between 2010 - 2011 and 2014 - 2015.
IPSA claims that such family members, “do not generally receive better salaries than other staff with the same job description and roles.” However, the body does make clear that such connected parties who started employment for an MP within the last 10 years are, on average, better paid than their colleagues in similar roles who started at a similar time.
Beckenham MP Bob Stewart
Beckenham MP Bob Stewart, who has employed members of his family, says the scheme works well for him.
Mr Stewart said: “It is a matter of public record that I have hired my daughters at some stage and currently my wife is working for me.
“It works well for me - especially as my Executive Assistant is away having a baby.”
Another MP who believes in this familial relationship is Thamesmead and Erith MP, Teresa Pearce who said: "I think employing a family member is fine as long as they earn their wage.
"In my case my husband helped me set up my office when I was first elected in 2010 but since then has taken more of a back seat and hardly gets paid at all.
"Good job he likes me."
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson added: “I employ my wife because it's the most effective office set up for Dartford.”
However, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Lewisham East MP, Heidi Alexander could never imagine such a marriage.
Lewisham East MP Heidi Alexander
Mrs Alexander said: “I think my husband would tell you there is zero chance of him ever being prepared to work for me, as it would probably lead to the end of our relationship.
“So I’m pretty confident it will never be an issue for me.”
She added: “How other MPs decide to staff their offices though is a decision for them and them alone.”
In spite of such revelations of, IPSA doesn't seem to be particularly worried about the situation and that its “intention” is “neither promoting diversity in Parliament, [ ] nor in any way making matters worse.”
According to the watchdog, this is how a “neutral” ground can be found.
IPSA report found family members of MPs paid £5,600 more on average
MPs who have employed family members
Bob Stewart - Beckenham MP
Teresa Pearce - Erith and Thamesmead MP
Gareth Johnson - Dartford MP
MPs who have never employed family members
James Brokenshire - Old Bexley and Sidcup MP
Jo Johnson - Orpington MP
Matthew Pennycook - Greenwich MP
David Evennett - Bexleyheath and Crayford MP
Heidi Alexander - Lewisham East MP
Adam Holloway - Gravesham MP
Bob Neill - Bromley and Chislehurst MP
MPs who weren’t available for comment
Jim Dowd - Lewisham West and Penge MP
Vicky Foxcroft - Lewisham and Deptford MP
Clive Efford - Eltham MP
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