Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely is expected to get a near three per cent pay rise from April, along with all other MPs.

Mr Seely has told the County Press he was 'unaware' of the imminent increase, which would bring the overall salary for members of parliament from £84,144 to £86,584.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which sets pay for MPs, has confirmed an increase of 2.9 per cent will take effect from April 1.

The move has proven controversial given the Government is facing a wave of strike action in the nursing, rail and education sector, over pay and working conditions.

Richard Lloyd, IPSA’s chairman, said: “In confirming MPs’ pay for next year, we have once again considered very carefully the extremely difficult economic circumstances, the Government’s evolving approach to public sector pay in the light of forecasted rates of inflation, and the principle that MPs’ pay should be reflective of their responsibility in our democracy.

“Our aim is to ensure that pay is fair for MPs, regardless of their financial circumstances, to support the most diverse of parliaments.

“Serving as an MP should not be the preserve of those wealthy enough to fund it themselves. It is important for our democracy that people from any background should see representing their communities in Parliament as a possibility.”

The IPSA said the increase would be the same as the average rise for public sector workers last year.

When asked for a response to the salary rise, Mr Seely told the County Press he was 'unaware' of it and does not comment on his pay.