CLACTON’S MP has slammed calls for a massive hike in politicians’ pay “absurd”.

MPs taking part in an anonymous survey reckoned they should earn £86,250 - a huge one-third increase.

More than two-thirds thought they were underpaid earning £65,738, which is more than double the national average wage.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell didn’t take part in the survey but said a wage hike would send out the wrong message.

“There is a freeze in public sector salaries and I think that should apply to MPs,” he said.

“I think the idea of any increase at a time of austerity is, frankly, absurd.”

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority sets MPs’ wages.