B.C. Premier Christy Clark has reversed a move to increase the pay scales of many political staffers, labelling the hikes a “mistake.”

The pay raises were made earlier this month, but only came to light last week.

They saw the salary ranges for political staffers such as ministerial assistants and chiefs of staff rise by as much as 60 per cent.

But after a public outcry, Clark says they are being reversed and all salary levels will return to their original levels.

She says the only exception will be her deputy chief of staff who will still get an increase, although not as much as first planned.

Clark admits the hikes sent the wrong message, at a time the government was touting the need for fiscal restraint.