The UK’s top-paid special adviser is Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. Government data shows he earns between £155,000 and £159,999 annually.
Nine other senior advisers fall into the next highest pay bracket, taking home £145,000 to £149,999. This group includes National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and No 10’s communications director, Steph Driver. Interestingly, the compensation doesn’t surpass that of the top-paid advisers.
The high salaries of special advisers have sparked debate over taxpayer-funded pay in government. Critics argue such wages are excessive, while supporters say competitive pay is needed to attract top talent. With public sector pay disputes ongoing, the figures may fuel further discussions about fair compensation in politics.
Chancellor’s chief economic adviser John Van Reenan also ranks among the top-paid special advisers. Other high earners include Starmer’s deputy chief of staff, Jill Cuthbertson, and policy director Liz Lloyd, all featuring prominently in government circles.
Last year, reports revealed Starmer’s former chief of staff, Sue Gray, outearned the prime minister. Gray later resigned, citing concerns about becoming a distraction. McSweeney, who led Labour’s election campaign, replaced her, thus continues the legacy of top-paid.
The total cost of special advisers in 2024/25 reached £16.7 million. This included £3.1 million in severance payments for departing Conservative-era advisers. Currently, 130 special advisers work across the government, with considerable influence and pay.
Salaries above £76,000 are disclosed in £5,000 bands. McSweeney stands alone in the highest bracket. Powell’s appointment as a political adviser in a traditionally civil service role also broke precedent, which emphasizes the significant role of high-paid.
The revelations highlight the significant influence and compensation of the top-paid shaping UK policy.
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