WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour is in under fire for wanting to hire staff paid less than the ‘real living wage’.

The Liberal Democrat MP has advertised for a caseworker, responsible for supporting her constituents with a range of issues and assisting at her regular surgeries.

The salary of £23,810 for a 37.5-hour week equates to £12.21 per hour, compared with a ‘real living wage’ rate of £12.60 as advocated by the Living Wage Foundation.

Now, Exmoor farmer and Conservative activist James Wright has accused Mrs Gilmour of going against her own party’s national policy of promoting the ‘real living wage’ as a minimum for all public sector roles.

Mr Wright, who is regional chairman of the Conservative Rural Forum, said: “It is one rule for them, and another for small businesses and charities.

Exmoor farmer and political campaigner James Wright, pictured at the West Somerset Railway's Watchet station, is criticising MP Rachel Gilmour for paying staff 'low wages'.
Exmoor farmer and political campaigner James Wright, pictured at the West Somerset Railway's Watchet station, is criticising MP Rachel Gilmour for paying staff 'low wages'. (Daniel Mumby)

“The Lib Dems will always call for higher taxes, more spending, and more regulation, but when it is their own budget on the line, they do the bare minimum.

“If they really believe in the living wage, they should lead by example.”

Mrs Gilmour is also advertising for a constituency office manager in Tiverton but has not said what the salary would be.

A spokesperson for Mrs Gilmour said: “As with everything that Rachel does, in this matter, she and her team are acutely aware that all money available for staffing comes from the taxpayer.

“As such, she strives for efficient use of that money wherever possible.

“All salary payments are made in alignment with the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) guidelines, always adhering to the law and the national living wage.

“We will not comment on live or historic job vacancies or recruitment processes at this time, but it is safe to say that individuals are more than fairly compensated for their work.”