MS salaries will be £12,000 higher than last election

SENEDD members will secure pay rises ranging from £12,000 to £25,000 in the next term starting in May, compared with salaries paid after the previous election in 2021.

- By CHRIS HAINES

‘The Senedd’s independent remuneration board has confirmed the base salary for politicians will be £79,817 after the 2026 election, up from £67,694 at the start of term. Members’ pay was frozen in 2020/21 and rises have since been linked to an index of average earnings.

Politicians who hold additional offices will see even larger leaps. ‘he first minister was paid £147,983 five years ago but the salary will be £173,600 in 2026 - more than £25,000 higher.

Cabinet ministers will earn £124,713, an increase of £19,000 on 2021, while deputy ministers’ pay will rise by more than £16,000 to £106,008.