How Much Do MPs Earn?

Find out how much MPs and the Prime Minister earn in the UK, including roles, qualifications, duties, and how to become a Member of Parliament.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent constituencies in the UK House of Commons. Their work involves shaping laws, holding the government to account, and engaging with their local communities. At the top of government is the Prime Minister, who leads the UK and oversees all areas of national policy and governance.

This guide covers how much MPs and the Prime Minister earn, their responsibilities, how to become one, required traits, and what the job entails.

Job Description: What Do MPs Do?

MPs (Members of Parliament) are elected officials who represent a geographical area (constituency) in the UK Parliament. They contribute to national decision-making and help constituents with local and personal issues.

Key responsibilities:

  • Debating and voting on new laws

  • Representing their constituency’s interests

  • Attending committees and cross-party working groups

  • Holding government ministers to account

  • Responding to letters and concerns from the public

  • Running surgeries (meetings) to support constituents

  • Campaigning on issues or proposing new legislation

MPs work both in Westminster and in their local constituency offices.

How Hard Is It to Become an MP?

Extremely. While there are no formal qualifications required, becoming an MP is politically competitive. You need to:

  1. Gain party support or run as an independent

  2. Win a seat through a general election (or by-election)

  3. Build a public profile, trust and influence

The process often takes years of local campaigning, activism or political involvement, and even then, most candidates lose elections before gaining a seat.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Confidence in public speaking

  • Strong written and verbal communication

  • Resilience to criticism and long hours

  • Ability to campaign and network

  • Strong grasp of current affairs and public policy

  • Emotional intelligence, empathy, and diplomacy

  • Persistence and leadership

Do You Need Qualifications?

No formal education is required. However, most MPs hold a degree, often in:

  • Politics

  • Law

  • History

  • Economics

  • Business

More important is experience in:

  • Local government or activism

  • Political party work

  • Trade unions, legal work, media, or public service

Some MPs have professional backgrounds (e.g. doctors, teachers, barristers) before entering politics.

Career Levels and Political Roles

While all MPs are equal in voting power, some hold additional positions.

Role & Additional Responsibilities

  • Backbench MP - Represents a constituency, no ministerial role

  • Select Committee Chair - Leads scrutiny on specific policy areas

  • Shadow Minister / Secretary - Represents opposition on specific policy

  • Government Minister - Manages a department under a Secretary of State

  • Cabinet Minister - Senior government official

  • Chancellor / Home Secretary / Foreign Secretary - Top-level ministers

  • Prime Minister - Head of Government, leads Cabinet and policy

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Experience in local politics (e.g. councillor roles)

  • Public speaking or media exposure

  • Working within a political party or as an aide

  • Grassroots campaigning or community activism

  • Legislative or policy work (as a researcher or adviser)

Benefits of Being an MP

  • Influence on national laws and decisions

  • Good salary and pension

  • Prestige and public visibility

  • Support teams (researchers, caseworkers)

  • Opportunity to specialise in areas of passion

  • Platform for further political leadership

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Long, unpredictable hours

  • Intense media scrutiny and public criticism

  • Job insecurity – elections can unseat you at any time

  • Frequent travel between Westminster and constituency

  • Toxic political environments and abuse (online and in-person)

  • Pressure on personal and family life

How Much Do MPs Earn?

As of 2024, MPs earn a base salary of £86,584 per year.

MPs may also earn more through:

  • Ministerial roles (see below)

  • Committee chairmanships

  • Speaking or writing engagements (if declared and allowed)

How Much Does the Prime Minister Earn?

The Prime Minister earns:

  • Base MP salary: £86,584

  • Additional PM salary: £80,807

  • Total salary: £167,391 per year

This figure is taxable like any other UK income.

Tax Example (Prime Minister):

On £167,391/year, the PM would pay:

  • Income Tax: £52,566

  • National Insurance: £6,932

  • Take-home pay: £107,900 year or £2,075 week

(Estimates based on 2024–25 tax rates)

What Factors Affect MP Pay?

  • Ministerial appointments increase pay

  • Committee roles add allowances

  • London Weighting and travel subsidies

  • Election results – seat losses = end of salary

  • Public scrutiny – external income must be declared

How Many Hours Do MPs Work?

MPs often work 60–80 hours per week, including:

  • Travel between Westminster and their constituency

  • Evening debates and weekend surgeries

  • Committee meetings and casework

  • Media interviews and local events

The Prime Minister likely works 80–100+ hours per week, due to the scale and urgency of responsibilities.

The Prime Minister’s Role & Responsibilities

  • Leads the UK Government and Cabinet

  • Oversees national and international policy

  • Appoints ministers and sets government strategy

  • Leads the ruling political party

  • Represents the UK globally

  • Directs crisis response (e.g. war, pandemic, economic collapse)

  • Communicates with the Monarch weekly

What’s the Future for This Role?

  • MP roles are evolving with digital engagement and hybrid work

  • Growing demand for transparency and ethics in public office

  • Increased diversity in Parliament

  • More scrutiny over MPs’ second jobs and lobbying

For the PM, future leadership will depend on public confidence, party control, and national challenges.

Best Political Parties and Institutions to Work With

Not applicable like typical companies—but most MPs are affiliated with:

  • Labour Party

  • Conservative Party

  • Liberal Democrats

  • Green Party

  • Scottish National Party (SNP)

  • Plaid Cymru

  • Independent / Crossbench MPs

Those not standing for election may work with:

  • Think tanks

  • Policy groups

  • Civil Service

  • Parliamentary staff roles

  • Media or lobbying firms

Final Thought

Being an MP—or Prime Minister—is about public service, not just pay. While the salary is competitive, the demands are high and the scrutiny constant. Success depends on resilience, dedication, and the ability to connect with people across the political and social spectrum.

Need help comparing MP roles to civil service or exploring policy careers? Let me know—I can break that down too.