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Which MP’s time is worth the most?

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The explosion in new TV channels hasn’t been good news for all broadcasters but it’s certainly benefited one group of people: media-loving MPs. The register of MPs’ interests has today been published and the contrast in hourly pay between different right honourable members makes for fascinating reading.

David Lammy, for instance, has made more than £100,000 from LBC since returning to the Labour frontbench – despite his leader’s tough talk on second jobs. Yet Lammy’s most recent entry lists him as receiving £8,172 for just shy of 50 hours of work, which works out as £165 per hour. By contrast, Tory backbencher Philip Davies received £3,000 for 30 hours of presenting six episodes of his GB News show; the equivalent of £100 per hour.

Rising star Bim Afolami has meanwhile snapped up a gig on TalkTV, though he is yet to declare any earnings, with Jon Ashworth getting a tidy £250 from ITV for less than 30 minutes of his time.

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Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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