Newcastle residents have voiced strong opposition to MPs holding second jobs, with many describing the practice as greedy and a conflict of interest. The debate has been reignited after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faced criticism for declaring a £270,000 payment from a gold bullion marketer, where he serves as an ambassador, amid separate scrutiny over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne.
Public opinion: MPs should focus on their role
Speaking to the Chronicle in Newcastle city centre, several locals expressed that MPs are already well compensated and should concentrate on their elected duties. Tara said: “I don’t think they should be allowed to, no. I think they get paid enough already. They’re not fair enough on the people who have low income here or don’t have a job at all.” Charles echoed this: “I think they’ve got enough money in the first place. You’ve got people on benefits who are getting much less money than they do.”
Conflict of interest concerns
Residents also worried about potential conflicts of interest. Michael stated: “They shouldn’t have second jobs with the influence of their position.” Paul agreed, calling it “a conflict of interest,” and added: “If they have been elected to represent people as an MP, that’s what they should focus on. If you have a full-time job that’s responsible, you wouldn’t expect a doctor to have to go and get a second job or a police officer or a solicitor because that’s their job, that’s what they should be doing.”
Greed and lack of pride
Fred described the idea of MPs taking second jobs as “really concerning,” particularly in light of Farage’s recent disclosures. “He’s not working for the people, he’s working for who will pay him the most,” Fred said. “I do think it’s a really good example of their lack of pride in what they are doing. They’re so easily distracted by other sources. There’s no reason for them to be striving for more pay from other sources, I think it’s ridiculous.” Paul added: “I think it’s about greed, personal gain and making themselves look better.”
Exceptions for worthy causes
Some residents allowed for limited exceptions. Fred noted: “That might depend on what their second job is, something worthy and related to being an MP. Being involved with a local issue or a charity, something like that. But they shouldn’t really, being an MP should be their first job.” Charles suggested that MPs should volunteer for such roles, as many other people do: “They should volunteer to do that. A lot of people volunteer to do more important jobs like looking after people that don’t get paid enough.”
Call for change
Tara summed up the sentiment: “They don’t do a good enough job anyway. If you don’t like it, then leave. Let someone else take over who is actually going to help the people who need help.” The debate follows a motion by Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, who highlighted that MPs had taken an “eye-watering” £11 million in outside earnings since the last election. Senior North East MP Ian Lavery has backed calls for a ban on second jobs. Currently, MPs are allowed side jobs but must record earnings over £300 per year and are prohibited from providing paid parliamentary advice on public policy or current affairs.
