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Keir Starmer Pays 35% Tax – What It Means For You

Published: 17 April 2025
5 min read
Taxwise Accountancy

Downing Street has published a summary of the taxable income of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Discover what these official tax records reveal and how it impacts UK taxpayers like you.

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Downing Street has published a summary of the taxable income of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. These official records offer an insight into their earnings and effective tax rates for the tax year ending 5 April 2024.

Keir Starmer's Tax Position

According to the summary, Keir Starmer earned £152,255, comprising:

  • £81,390 from his role as a Member of Parliament (MP)
  • £49,193 as Leader of the Opposition
  • £16,000 in other benefits
  • £498 from self-employment
  • £5,174 in bank interest
Total Tax Paid
£54,718
Effective Tax Rate: 35.9%

He paid a total of £54,718 in income tax, resulting in an effective tax rate of 35.9%.

Comparison: Rishi Sunak's Tax Rate

By contrast, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid £508,308 on an income of £2.2 million, which equated to a much lower tax rate of 22.8%.

Angela Rayner's Tax Position

Angela Rayner's income totalled £85,205, including:

Base Salary
£76,955
Other Benefits
£8,250

She paid £21,514 in tax

Effective Rate: 25%+

Rachel Reeves' Tax Position

Rachel Reeves earned a similar base salary to Rayner, but also received:

Self-Employment Income (book royalties & audiobook fees) £12,372
Other Benefits £2,367
Bank Interest £64

Effective Tax Rate: 26.3%

Official Source: These figures were officially published and are publicly accessible via the UK government website.

Key Takeaways

Why Does This Matter To You?

Understanding how effective tax rates work and how different types of income are taxed can help you make more informed financial decisions. While most of us won't earn like a Prime Minister or Chancellor, we all have the same obligations when it comes to filing our tax returns correctly and on time.

Effective Tax Rates

Learn how your total tax liability relates to your total income across all sources

Multiple Income Streams

Different income types (employment, self-employment, interest) are all taxable

HMRC Compliance

Filing accurate tax returns on time is essential for all UK taxpayers

Tax Reliefs Available

Expert advice helps you maximise legitimate tax reliefs and allowances

Get Expert Tax Advice

At Taxwise Accountancy, we are experts in self-assessment tax returns and help individuals – including those with multiple income streams – to stay compliant with HMRC whilst making use of any available tax reliefs.

Need Help With Your Tax Position?

If you're unsure about your tax position or need help with your self-assessment, get in touch with our team today.