In a recent analysis, it has been revealed that Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, holds the distinction of being the highest-paid special adviser in the current UK government. According to information published by the Cabinet Office, McSweeney’s salary ranges between £155,000 and £159,999, placing him at the top of the compensation scale for his peers in governmental advisory roles.
This report indicates that McSweeney’s position is notable, as he is the only adviser in the £155,000 to £159,999 salary band. Competing with him, nine other senior government staff members—commonly referred to as special advisers, or “spads”—fall into the next pay tier, which ranges from £145,000 to £149,999. Some key figures in this group include Jonathan Powell, who serves as the National Security Adviser; James Lyons, the director of strategic communications for No 10; and John Van Reenan, the chancellor’s top economic adviser. This hierarchy illustrates not only McSweeney’s prominence but also the substantial compensation packages offered to close advisers within the government.
The context surrounding these salaries reinforces the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of political compensation. Last year, Sir Keir’s former chief of staff, Sue Gray, was noted for earning a salary that exceeded even that of the Prime Minister himself, reported to be £166,786. Following her decision to resign, citing that she risked becoming “a distraction,” McSweeney stepped into the position. His previous experience as chief adviser to the Prime Minister and as a key strategist for Labour’s general election campaign undoubtedly contributed to his selection for this pivotal role.
The dynamics in the Labour government’s advisory team have also reflected internal conflicts. Several special advisers reportedly expressed discontent over discussions about potential pay cuts, revealing a layer of complexity in the relationships between government officials. The financial implications of these salaries are significant, as the overall pay bill for special advisers in 2024/25 is estimated at £16.7 million, which includes £3.1 million earmarked for severance costs that are partly associated with the previous Conservative administration’s advisory team.
As of March 31, the report indicates that the government employed a total of 130 special advisers, with a transparency framework requiring salaries exceeding £76,000 to be reported within specific bands of £5,000. This level of disclosure is crucial for accountability, especially at a time when public scrutiny of government expenditures is particularly intense.
McSweeney’s ascent within the political landscape is emblematic of a broader trend that sees experienced figures rising to critical advisory roles, sometimes blurring the lines between traditional civil service positions and advisory capacities. For example, Powell’s appointment as a special adviser to the national security role—a position typically held by a career civil servant—highlights a shift in the norms governing political appointments. This break from tradition speaks to the evolving nature of political strategy within the current government.
As political climates shift and adapt to new challenges, the roles and compensation of senior advisers will likely continue to be a point of focus and scrutiny. With the Labour Party navigating a transformative period in UK politics, figures like Morgan McSweeney will be instrumental in shaping both policy and public perception as they grapple with the responsibilities shouldered by high-level advisers in government, particularly in a rapidly changing political landscape.
