Bill for growing army of SNP spin doctors tops £1m
Special advisers’ influence under fire as one aide nets £104k in pay
NICOLA Sturgeon’s army of political advisers cost Scottish taxpayers more than £1million last year – with one paid up to £104,000.
Despite a pledge to crack down on the number of spin doctors, their numbers have continued to expand.
Official figures show Miss Sturgeon’s team of 14 special advisers (Spads) were paid a total of £1,105,289 in 2018-19 – up from £1,045,486 in 2016-17.
One of the advisers earns between £86,965 and £104,462, classed as a ‘premium’ pay band. Five Spads take home between £65,017 and £86,964, while six earn £52,905 to £65,016. Two others have a salary of between £39,445 and £52,904. The average wage in Scotland is £26,000.
The disclosure comes amid growing concern over the interference and influence of advisers on government policy.
Miss Sturgeon’s chief of staff – and top adviser – Liz Lloyd was accused of ‘deliberately’ and ‘unjustifiably’ delaying the release of politically sensitive material by Scotland’s information tsar.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Daily Mail revealed Information Commissioner Daren Fitzhenry described Miss Lloyd’s actions to delay a Freedom of Information request as ‘unjustifiable, significant’ and ‘deliberate’.
Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘Despite pledges to reduce the spend on special advisers, this SNP Government has done exactly the opposite.
‘Millions of pounds of public money is being spent on them at a time when we should be investing as much as possible in improving public services. And, given their history of getting involved in party political issues, this level of spending is especially concerning.’
The Scottish Daily Mail launched a campaign exposing a culture of secrecy within public bodies and authorities after it was disclosed that special advisers are playing an increasing role in government, including vetting ‘politically sensitive’
Freedom of Information requests from journalists, politicians and researchers.
Miss Lloyd was also accused of a ‘bullying attack’ on BBC bosses over a controversial US political figure’s appearance at a media event.
She was at the centre of a row after emails between her and BBC executives were revealed in which she claimed she was ‘personally let down’.
She launched a scathing attack after ex-Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon was invited to the News Xchange conference, which the BBC cohosted, in Edinburgh last year. In her emails, Miss Lloyd accused the BBC of inviting Mr Bannon to create a ‘buzz’.
The First Minister was due to speak at the event but pulled out after hearing the former aide was also speaking.
Labour MSP Neil Findlay said: ‘The SNP Government has promised to cut spending, while actually increasing it.
‘It is vital people in Scotland have trust in their government and without complete transparency that is unachievable.
‘The First Minister should lay bare what they are spending on special advisers, and why, as soon as possible.’
After the SNP came to power in the 2007 Holyrood election, it promised to slim down government.
In Alex Salmond’s first year as First Minister, he cut the number of cabinet secretaries and junior ministers – and also reduced the number of special advisers to nine, costing £480,251.
However, Miss Sturgeon has continued to expand her team from ten, in 2016, to 14.
Former MP Callum McCaig, ex-MSP Stewart Maxwell and independence campaigner Kate Higgins are among those hired in recent years.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The First Minister appoints special advisers to support the work of the government in delivering better outcomes for Scotland.
‘There are currently 14 special advisers, which is the same number as the previous year – and overall costs remain lower than in 2015-16.’
Comment – Page 16
‘Level of spending is concerning’