UK council shares job vacancy – and £200k wage is more than Keir Starmer’s salary | UK | News
A local authority in Essex is offering a chief executive post on a package of circa £200,000 – significantly more than Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earns. Thurrock Council, a unitary authority, is seeking an “outstanding and experienced public service leader with integrity, ambition and a high level of intrinsic motivation” to “lead the change, shape the future”. The deadline for the full-time role, based in Grays, is May 24, 2026.
Sir Keir currently draws £166,786 a year. As Prime Minister, he is entitled to the standard MP salary of £91,346 plus a ministerial top-up, but like recent predecessors, he claims only the lower “claimed” portion of the additional allowance. The Thurrock package is therefore more than 20% higher.
The advert highlights the council’s recent journey: “Organisations show their character most clearly through how they respond to adversity.
“Thurrock has faced its recent challenges with dignity and determination, and our culture is now stronger and more purposeful than ever before. We’re proud to be Thurrock.”
The successful candidate will “maintain the pace of improvement work” while preparing for local government reorganisation (LGR) across Essex.
Residents and businesses “will always deserve the highest standard of services”, the advert states. Applications are being managed by executive search firm Faerfield.
Senior council chief executive roles frequently command salaries well above the Prime Minister’s pay. Similar vacancies include Rochdale Borough Council (£185,760–£206,400) and Newham London Borough Council (£227,844–£238,419).
A Thurrock Council statement said the salary reflected the demands and responsibilities of the role at a time of significant change. No further comment was issued on the comparison with ministerial pay.
Thurrock, on the Thames estuary, has faced financial and governance pressures in recent years but says its culture has emerged stronger. The new chief executive will report to councillors and oversee services ranging from social care and housing to waste and planning, managing a multi-billion-pound budget and thousands of staff.
The post is expected to be filled over the summer.
