ANDY BURNHAM PLEDGES 15% OF MP SALARY TO LOCAL CAUSES

Andy Burnham has announced he will donate 15% of his MP's salary to local causes within his Makerfield constituency. The donation will begin with the Stubshaw Cross community and sports club, which served as his campaign headquarters during the recent by-election. Burnham stated he would continue a practice he maintained during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester, where he donated 15% of his annual salary of £118,267 to tackle homelessness over nine years.

An MP's salary currently stands at £98,599, meaning Burnham's annual donation would amount to approximately £14,790. Several other MPs across different parties donate all or part of their salaries to charities and causes in their constituencies. Rupert Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, committed to donating his net MP salary to charities after his election in 2024, whilst Ellie Chowns, the Green MP for North Herefordshire, announced she would donate a large portion of her salary to remain on an average income.

If Burnham becomes prime minister, his total salary would exceed £174,039, comprising both his MP's salary and ministerial pay. The announcement reflects a broader practice among MPs from multiple parties who use the Give As You Earn scheme to make charitable donations from their parliamentary salaries.