Maldon's MP has suggested that an 11 per cent pay rise, which could see him earning an extra £7,500, should be accepted.

John Whittingdale’s basic salary could reach £74,000 at a time when public sector workers’ wages will increase by just one per cent.

Some MPs have suggested they would reject the rise, but Mr Whittingdale has so far refused to make a “commitment” about his pay.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which has sole responsibility for the decision, has previously announced the rise as a recommendation along with MPs having to pay more into their pensions, some allowances scrapped and cuts to second home claims.

It is expected to announce its final decision tomorrow but it was this week widely reported that the pay rise would be given the go ahead.

Mr Whittingdale said: “All parties agreed in 2009 to set up IPSA following the expenses scandal so that MPs would no longer have a say in setting their pay and pensions.

“This seemed to me sensible as it was clearly wrong that MPs should fix their own pay rate."

See this week's MBS (out tomorrow) for the full story.