INVERCLYDE's MP says he will refuse to accept a proposed bumper pay rise for MPs.

A Westminster Parliamentary body is expected to say that salaries should rise by about 15 per cent from �66,396 to a sum closer to �75,000 after the 2015 general election.

But Mr McKenzie said today that he would snub an increase.

He said: "I will refuse to take this rise.

"I am totally opposed to it." The suggestion on pay will be unveiled in full by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) on 11 July.

But Mr McKenzie believes it is 'totally unacceptable' at a time when many people are receiving low pay rises or are having their wages frozen.

He said: "The pay of MPs is now rightly decided by an independent body, IPSA, which has been asked to do a report about a range of issues, including MPs pay and pension scales.

"Any decision taken about MPs' pay must always reflect the wider economic circumstances, especially that of the public sector. That's why it's right MPs have had their pay frozen for several years.

"Any decision for an increase in MPs' pay must be consistent with what is happening to nurses, teachers and others in the public sector, as well as conditions in the private sector.

"Any proposals from IPSA will also be rightly subject to public consultation before they would be introduced.

"When IPSA were looking into MPs pay scales, I made it perfectly clear I saw no requirement for an increase in members' pay." Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have also slammed the proposed pay rise.

The increase could come into force without the need for further legislation, but other MPs could join the likes of Mr McKenzie in refusing to take it.

He said: "All MPs should be focused on delivering a fair and equal society with a prosperous and growing economy - my priorities as an MP are delivering that for Inverclyde."