Boris Johnson served as UK Prime Minister and remains a prominent public figure, so understanding his earnings is a frequent topic of interest. This guide breaks down his salary, additional income streams, and how these align with his role and public duties.
Below is a structured overview of key financial aspects related to Boris Johnson, including official income, potential speaking fees, and relevant allowances.
| Income Type | Amount or Basis | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP Basic Salary | £91,346 (2024/25) | UK Parliament | Paid from public funds, standard for backbench MPs |
| Prime Minister Salary (Historical) | £161,604 (2023/24) | UK Government | Set at higher rate while serving as PM; may apply if reappointed |
| Speaking Engagements | Variable, often £50,000–£100,000+ per event | Private events, conferences | Fees negotiated publicly, may be partially donated to charity |
| Book Royalties | Varies by title and sales | Published works | Significant earnings from memoirs and political books |
Salary Structure for Current and Former UK MPs
MP Basic Pay and Increases
Members of Parliament receive an annual basic salary set by an independent review body. For 2024/25, this is £91,346. Independent review recommendations usually lead to measured increases in line with public sector pay policy.
Additional Allowances for Office and Staffing
Alongside salary, MPs can claim allowances for office costs, staffing, and travel related to parliamentary duties. These are not personal income but are essential for carrying out elected work. Rules on claiming are strict and regularly audited.
Prime Minister Pay During Tenure
Package and Public Sector Comparisons
While in office, the Prime Minister receives a separate salary set at a higher level, historically aligned with senior civil service roles. This is intended to reflect the scale of responsibility, though it remains subject to public sector pay guidelines.
Post-Premiership Status
After leaving Downing Street, Boris Johnson returns to the standard MP salary unless reappointed as Prime Minister. Any ongoing public duties or advisory roles are typically outside formal government pay and are managed carefully to avoid conflicts of interest.
Income from Writing and Public Appearances
Book Royalties and Advances
Income from book deals can substantially add to overall earnings for former leaders. Boris Johnson has earned significant royalties from bestselling memoirs, with advances and sales contributing to long-term income beyond parliamentary salary.
Speaking Fees and Event Participation
Engagements and conference appearances represent another major revenue stream. Reported speaking fees often fall in a wide range, reflecting demand and the charitable nature of many events. Transparency around these fees has been a point of public discussion.
Financial Transparency and Public Scrutiny
Register of Interests and Disclosure Rules
MPs must declare income, gifts, and consultancy work in the Parliamentary Register of Members’ Interests. This ensures transparency and allows the public and watchdogs to monitor potential influences on voting or decision-making.
How He Compares to Other Former Leaders
Compared with some predecessors, Boris Johnson’s earnings combine public salary with substantial private income from media and speaking work. This model is similar to other globally active former politicians, though exact figures vary by country and role.
Key Takeaways on Earnings and Transparency
- Base parliamentary salary is fixed and publicly published each year.
- Former leaders can earn significantly from books, speaking, and media work.
- Independent reviews determine salary adjustments for MPs and ministers.
- Strict rules require detailed declaration of all outside income and gifts.
- Public scrutiny helps ensure that additional earnings do not undermine official duties.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much does Boris Johnson earn as an MP now?
As a sitting backbench MP, he earns the standard parliamentary salary of £91,346 for 2024/25, plus allowable office and staffing costs.
Does he still receive the Prime Minister salary after leaving office?
No, the enhanced Prime Minister salary applies only while actively serving as Prime Minister. After leaving Downing Street, the basic MP rate applies.
How are speaking fees and book income reported publicly?
These must be declared in the Register of Members’ Interests, including approximate amounts and the organizations paying for engagements or publishing rights.
Are donations to charity from speaking fees common and verified?
Many speakers, including Boris Johnson, commit fees to charitable causes, with clear records and public statements used to confirm the scale and destination of such donations.