Stormont approves MLA pay rise Bill amid criticism from TUV’s Timothy Gaston

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston

The Northern Ireland Assembly has approved the second stage of a contentious Bill that paves the way for a significant pay increase for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), despite vocal opposition from TUV MLA Timothy Gaston, who condemned the move as lacking transparency and accountability.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Gaston expressed his frustration with the outcome, remarking, “I am deeply disappointed but not surprised by the outcome of the second stage of the Bill, which paves the way for a substantial pay increase for MLAs.”

Mr Gaston had tabled a series of amendments aimed at increasing scrutiny over MLA pay and introducing public consultation into the legislative process, but these proposals were either dismissed or excluded from debate.

Among the key changes he proposed were measures to:

• Require the independent panel determining MLA pay to consider the surrender of over 300 areas of law to Brussels as a result of the Protocol;

• Remove salary benchmarking against legislators in the Republic of Ireland;

• Defer any pay increase until powers reclaimed by the EU under the Protocol are restored to both Stormont and Westminster;

• Introduce a statutory duty for public consultation on any Bill relating to MLA pay, pensions or gratuities.

Mr Gaston said, “Regrettably, these proposals were dismissed. Amendments intended to strengthen oversight of Stormont’s expenses regime and bring it into line with Westminster standards were not even permitted onto the order paper.”

He criticised attempts to justify the pay rise by referencing practices at Westminster, arguing, “Some may attempt to justify these developments by comparing them to procedures in London. If so, will those same voices now advocate for legislation introducing Westminster-style penalties, including imprisonment, for fraudulent claims? Unsurprisingly, no such assurances were offered.”

The timing of the pay rise also drew scrutiny, particularly in light of recent controversies involving expenses.

Mr Gaston invoked the ongoing Michael McMonagle scandal as evidence of the need for serious reform:

“In light of the Michael McMonagle scandal, the argument for serious reform is compelling — unless, it seems, one is an MLA primarily concerned with securing a pay increase.”

A particularly contentious point was the Assembly’s decision to vote down an amendment requiring public consultation on future changes to MLA remuneration.

Mr Gaston described this omission as damaging to the Assembly’s legitimacy:

“Public consultation is a fundamental element of the legislative process. Yet in this case, the Bill was introduced without public consultation — an approach that would not be tolerated for Executive or Private Members’ Bills.”

He further warned, “This opaque method of operation damages the Assembly’s credibility and undermines public confidence.”

In his closing remarks during the debate, Mr Gaston issued a direct challenge to fellow unionist MLAs, urging them to tie any pay increase to the restoration of powers lost through the Northern Ireland Protocol:

“Only when this Assembly sees the return of powers it’s surrendered to Brussels — to this House and to Westminster — will the provisions of this Bill come into effect.”

He continued, “Amendment No 13 would stop any pay rise for MLAs while the protocol remains… Make it clear that, unless the amendment is built into the Bill, you will refuse to support it.”

Concluding his statement, Mr Gaston lamented the Assembly’s decision:

“Sadly, the Assembly failed to rise to that challenge.”

The Bill now advances to the next legislative stage, with growing public and political pressure on MLAs to ensure transparency and fairness in how public funds are allocated to elected representatives.

As debate continues, questions remain over whether the Assembly will introduce meaningful reforms to its expenses and pay structure — or if, as Mr Gaston warned, public confidence will continue to erode.