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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Ben Quinn and Alexandra Topping

More than half a million pounds spent on influencers by UK government since 2024

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves take a selfie with students
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves take a selfie with students in Anglesey, Wales, in November. Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/PA

More than half a million pounds has been spent since 2024 on using social media influencers to promote UK government campaigns on subjects ranging from the environment to welfare.

The spending has included hiring 215 influencers since 2024, of which there were 126 in 2025 – an increase on the 89 hired in 2024 – and is seen as an attempt to use platforms such as TikTok to reach younger people.

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