Jess Phillips earned £15k for three hours of hosting Have I Got News for You

Jess Phillips earned £15k for three hours of hosting Have I Got News for You
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Luke Ridley

By Luke Ridley


Published: 07/02/2022

- 12:12

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:27

The Labour MP said it was obviously a lot of money

MP Jess Phillips earned £15,000 from present a single episode of BBC1’s Have I Got News For You.

The Labour MP for Yardley hosted the show on the 10th of December alongside regular team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton and panellists Jon Richardson and Hannah Fry.


This massive second income comes as many families as set to struggle with the cost of living crisis.

The Labour frontbencher was paid a month after a motion calling for a ban on MPs holding second jobs outside Parliament – but only if they are paid as lobbyists or political consultants was defeated.

Ms Phillips, 40, earns £81,932 a year as an MP, which is the the basic annual salary of a Member of Parliament and puts all MPs in the top 5% of earners in the UK.

Ms Phillips said: "Obviously I think it’s a lot of money. I believe it’s the standard fee. I didn’t negotiate it.

"The shoot is about three hours, but as a presenter you are there all day running through, rehearsing with the autocue. I’m not sure this was because I am a novice or it is standard.’

However, one source questioned the filming timeframe, saying: "Twelve hours is the most hilarious bit. None of them work on the script. They just get handed it.

"Scriptwriters start writing Monday lunchtime and finish on Thursday night. Normal recording time is about two to two-and-a-half hours."

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