On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the House of Commons is set to pass the Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Bill, a legislative move that has flown under the radar of public scrutiny. This bill aims to amend the Ministerial and other Salaries Act of 1975, specifically increasing the limit on paid ministerial positions from 83 to 94, allowing for 11 new salaried appointments. The original act capped the total number of salaried government posts at 109, including 83 across three ranks: Secretaries of State (such as Cabinet ministers, the Prime Minister, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer), Ministers of State, and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State.
Current Ministerial Landscape and Proposed Changes
The 1975 legislation also accounts for 26 other roles, including the Lord High Chancellor, law officers, and government whips, which remain unaffected by this new bill. However, the current administration argues that the existing limit is insufficient, prompting this expansion. Presently, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's government already exceeds the 109-post cap, with 122 ministers in place, including 13 unpaid positions and four double-hatted roles combining whip duties with ministerial functions.
Contradiction with Government Promises
This push for more ministers starkly contrasts with the government's stated goals of reducing the civil service size, rewiring the state, and treading lightly on citizens' lives, as emphasized in Starmer's inaugural speech. Public perception of politicians as untrustworthy adds to the irony, with critics labeling the move as tin-eared and out of touch. Starmer has expressed frustration over bureaucratic delays, citing regulations and consultations that hinder swift action, but it remains unclear whether additional junior ministers would alleviate these issues.
Criticism of Ministerial Bloat
Opponents argue that ministerial teams are already overly large, pointing to examples like the Cabinet Office, which now has eight ministers compared to four in 2007 and three in 1997. Similarly, the Home Office operates with seven ministers today, up from six in 1997 when it had broader responsibilities. This expansion reflects C. Northcote Parkinson's law, where work expands to fill available time, leading to unnecessary growth in government roles.
Core Issue: Too Much Government, Not Too Few Ministers
The fundamental problem, as highlighted by critics, is not a shortage of ministers but an overreach of government itself. From regulating football colors to criminalizing already illegal acts and imposing levies on sugary drinks, the state's expanding scope is seen as the real issue. The error lies in the government's intent and reach, not its capacity, echoing principles like doing fewer things with brilliance, as advocated by figures such as Kemi Badenoch during her Conservative leadership campaign.
In summary, the Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Bill represents a significant shift toward a larger ministerial payroll, despite promises of a leaner state. As it moves to the House of Lords, expectations are low that this legislation will serve as a silver bullet for governmental inefficiencies, instead potentially exacerbating bureaucratic bloat.
