MPs are to receive a 10pc pay rise which will be backdated to the start of the parliamentary year.

David Cameron now faces a backlash after pay hike for MPs was confirmed today - despite the rest of the public sector being capped at 1pc for another four years.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) said the issue of politicians' salaries could no longer be 'ducked' and it is pushing ahead with the increase from £67,060 to £74,000.

However, the watchdog has climbed down on plans to link their pay to UK-wide average earnings in future - a move that could have left MPs £23,000 better off by 2020.

Instead they will be restricted to average rises in the public sector.

Ipsa's chair, Sir Ian Kennedy, said today: 'In making this decision we are very aware of the strongly held views of many members of the public and by some MPs themselves. We have listened to those views. We have made an important change to the way in which pay will be adjusted annually. Instead of linking MPs' pay to wages in the whole economy, it will be linked to public sector pay.'

The Prime Minister previously branded the substantial boost, backdated to May 8 and tied to cuts in pensions and expenses, 'unacceptable' at a time of austerity.

But last month Downing Street indicated that Mr Cameron will not seek to block the move - and he will personally accept the money. Politicians elected before 2015 - including Mr Cameron - will also see a major boost to their pensions as they are based on final salary.

The proposals have caused bitter divisions among MPs, with some decrying the award and others arguing they have been underpaid for decades.

It has also split ministers, with Education Secretary Nicky Morgan breaking ranks to declare she will give the money to charity and International Development Secretary Justine Greening warning that Ipsa is 'not working in its current form'.

Labour leadership contenders Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall have all declared they will forego the rise.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is likely to be reminded of comments from 2013 when he indicated he would not accept a pay rise while the rest of the public sector was being restrained.

Michael Gove, now justice secretary, memorably declared around the same time that Ipsa could 'stick' their pay rise.

Under pressure, the Government formally expressed its opposition to an increase in a letter to the watchdog's final consultation on the plans last month.

Mr Cameron has also imposed a freeze on the ministerial element of pay - meaning he and Cabinet ministers will only get an effective 5pc bump in their total remuneration.

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