MPs attack Camelot for huge pay rises perks

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Leading article: Never mind the pay at the top, it is time to look after those near the bottom

The lottery operator Camelot was condemned yesterday for rewarding its directors with "obscene" bonuses despite falling sales and dwindling donations to good causes.

A cross-party group of MPs rounded on the payout to Dianne Thompson, the chief executive, of £870,000, which was more than double the amount earned last year by her predecessor Tim Holley. Mr Holley, whose pay also increased this year to £770,000, is head of the group's sister company, Camelot International.

All six executive directors were rewarded for Camelot's successful bid in December for the next seven-year lottery licence, sharing from a £1m "win bonus" fund. The lottery bosses have also benefited from six-figure loyalty bonuses worked out four years ago.

Martin Salter, Labour MP for Reading West, said the bonuses were "obscene compared to the incomes of the majority of people who play the lottery".

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