Unveiling the Power Players: Starmer's Chief of Staff Tops Special Adviser Salaries

In a startling revelation from the Cabinet Office, it has been reported that Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, boasts the title of the highest paid special adviser in the government, with an impressive annual salary ranging between £155,000 and £159,999. This trend raises intriguing questions about the financial dynamics within the Labour government, as McSweeney outpaces fellow advisers, including those in the second-highest pay bracket earning between £145,000 and £149,999. Among these senior figures are National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, No 10’s director of communications Steph Driver, and John Van Reenan, the chancellor’s top economic adviser.

Notably, Jill Cuthbertson, Sir Keir’s deputy chief of staff, as well as Stuart Ingham, director of No 10’s policy unit, and Liz Lloyd, director of policy delivery and innovation, also share the second-tier salary band. This follows the controversial period with former chief of staff Sue Gray, who reportedly earned more than £166,786 while Sir Keir’s own salary was lower than hers. Gray’s departure from the position came amid concerns of becoming a distraction due to internal conflicts within the Labour Party. McSweeney, having previously worked closely with the Prime Minister as chief adviser, has since taken charge of Labour’s strategy in upcoming general elections.

The financial insights provided further reveal that the total salary bill for special advisers is projected to reach £16.7 million for the fiscal year 2024/25, inclusive of £3.1 million allocated for severance packages of former advisers, many having served under the prior Conservative government. As of March 31, the government employs 130 special advisers in total. Interestingly, McSweeney stands unique in his salary band, with no others currently matching his financial compensation. Furthermore, Powell’s appointment marks a significant shift, representing a move away from conventional practices as he became a special adviser rather than a civil servant, further underscoring the evolving landscape of political advisory roles within the Labour government.