Really? I'm no socialist, but do feel that this salary is excessive (not that I'd decline it if offered!)
Most of the public sector pays about £50-£70k for a department head, and at this level a bit under £100k would be more normal. A quick search
online tells me that a cabinet minister is making about £102k.
So we're talking a salary around 30-70% above, say, the defence or transport minister and just a little below the Prime Minister. I really don't think that this post carries 70% more responsibility than a cabinet minister, or only 10% less than the PM.
G