The settlement with the train drivers came on a day when it was disclosed that Sue Gray, Sir Keir’s Chief of Staff, is paid more than him after a change to the rules on special adviser pay.
For the 19,000 train drivers set to benefit, this year’s 4.5 per cent increase alone could be worth £55 million, if applied to the average salary of a train driver last year.
However, this would not account for any back payments due under the deal, meaning the true cost could be even higher.
On Wednesday, Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, which represents train drivers, labelled the previous Tory government “destructive” as he announced an end to walkouts.
“The strength and resilience and determination shown by train drivers to protect their hard-won and paid-for terms and conditions against the political piracy of an inept and destructive Tory government has prevailed,” he said.
“It was not a fight we sought or wanted. All we sought after five years without a pay rise, working for private companies who, throughout that period, declared millions of pounds in profits and dividends to shareholders, was a dent in the cost of living.”
Mr Whelan praised Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, saying “the adults entered the room” to agree “an equitable way forward”.
Helen Whately, the shadow transport secretary, said it was “no surprise” the Government’s offer to Aslef had been voted through.
“It’s an inflation-busting pay rise, with ‘no strings attached’ for reforms or improvements to services for passengers,” Ms Whately said.
“It will do nothing to prevent strikes in the future. The Government has failed to take responsibility.
“They don’t want to do the hard work of negotiating a fair, affordable settlement. Easier to just say yes to the unions and have taxpayers pick up the bill.”
According to the Nuffield Trust, the immediate cost of pay rises agreed for junior doctors will equate to £530 million, inclusive of backdated payments.