Ieuan to give most of his pay rise to charity

Mar 12 2008 by David Williamson, Western Mail

DEPUTY First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has pledged to give the majority of his 8.3% pay rise to charity.

He will take a 2.5% increase, but split the remainder between Christian Aid and the Stroke Association.

On top of an AM’s salary of £50,692, he now receives a further £40,645 as a minister.

Plaid Cymru deputy Assembly leader Alun Ffred Jones last week condemned the Assembly Commission’s decision to accept the 8.3% pay boost recommended by an independent panel.

Mr Jones said individual Plaid AMs would decide for themselves whether to take the salary rise.

The Deputy First Minister said, “It would be very difficult for me to accept an increase over and above what the public sector workers that I have been supporting have been awarded.

“Therefore, my decision is that I will take the increase in salary that has been awarded to public sector workers, such as nurses. I will donate the balance of the money to charity.”

Laura Dart of the Stroke Association said, “We would like to thank Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones for his kind gesture.”