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Can’t the UK pay its ‘Head of Tariff Strategy’ more than £55k?

Photo by Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images

Donald Trump is back in the White House and the UK is playing catch-up once again. Whether it’s Mandelson grovelling for his job or Starmer waiting almost a week for a phone call, it risks a re-run of the President’s first term when opportunities were missed. And now, in a potential indicator that those in Whitehall were caught on the hop, the Department of Business and Trade have this week put a new job advert. The post in question? ‘Head of Tariff Strategy’.

Yep, that’s right, for the whopping salary of just £55,000, you too could be bartering with Donald Trump’s tariff-loving aides. According to the 2,177-word advert, ‘you will have the opportunity to shape the UK’s international trade agenda for years to come’ and establish ‘the UK as a leader at the World Trade Organisation.’ Duties include ‘developing a coherent strategy for our tariff policy’ and ‘leading the UK Global Tariff policy response to global developments’.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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