Game of the day host Gary Lineker has claimed that Britain would be better governed if politicians were paid more, as this would encourage some of the country’s “brilliant minds” to run for office. He said the salary deterred some successful Britons who could earn more in another job. But do you think politicians should be paid more? Vote in our poll.
The basic annual salary of a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons is £84,144 and when asked if they should be paid more, Mr Lineker said: “You’ll probably never get that through parliament, but I’ve always thought it was such a important job.” .
“If we could entice the really brilliant minds in the country into the roles… I don’t think we can really entice the great minds in the country and probably a higher salary would.”
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New YouGov research for Times Radio shows that many Britons find other professions more difficult than being prime minister. For example, about 61 percent found it more difficult to be a surgeon. Including other jobs nurses, firefighters and soldiers.
In comparison, 81 percent thought being a professional footballer was easier than being a prime minister, in addition to being an investment banker, office worker and journalist.
So what do YOU think? Should politicians be paid more to attract more people to run for office? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.