John Swinney increases ministerial salaries by nearly £20,000

In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has recently faced considerable backlash after announcing a significant salary increase for SNP ministers, marking the first adjustment in 16 years. Effective from the start of the new tax year, junior ministers will now earn £100,575 while cabinet secretaries will earn £116,125. The decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that this increase will inflate future public sector pensions and severance payments for ministers when they leave their positions. Notably, the timing of this salary hike coincides with several prominent Scottish politicians, including former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, announcing plans to step down prior to the 2026 elections, stirring concerns over political priorities amidst an ongoing economic climate that demands accountability from elected officials. During a media conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, Swinney defended the pay rise, emphasizing the need for fairness among all Scottish parliament members and asserting that he would keep his own salary frozen to avoid perceptions of self-interest. According to Swinney, the long-standing salary freeze, which was instituted by former SNP leader Alex Salmond in 2009, was necessary, but he believes that the current pay structure should reflect fairness and entitlement. However, critics like John O'Connell, chief executive of TaxPayers' Alliance, have expressed outrage, arguing that the Scottish public is struggling economically while their politicians approve substantial salary increases. He further contends that ministers should abandon such increases until they demonstrate effectiveness in addressing the pressing needs of their constituents, particularly in fields like healthcare and education, which have suffered under their governance. The first minister also revealed that the Scottish government plans to announce its legislative program earlier than usual, intended to prepare for a full year of effective governance ahead of elections and address significant issues such as improving NHS performance and economic matters. He stated that the legislative agenda would focus on deliverable outcomes for the people of Scotland, a response indicative of the growing urgency for tangible results from the government.