Lee Cain reveals UK government communications staff doubled after audit

Lee Cain, the former communications director for Boris Johnson, has revealed that an audit of the UK government's communications operation uncovered approximately 8,000 staff members, doubling the initial figure of 4,000 provided to him.

Cain stated that his attempts to improve efficiency by reducing the workforce were blocked, with officials reportedly insisting that ‘not a single job could be cut.’ He suggested that the true number of employees might even exceed 8,000.

These revelations come as the UK government prepares for a 2025 Spending Review, which includes plans to reduce administration budgets by 11 per cent by 2028-29 and 16 per cent by 2029-30. Cain noted that efforts to discuss efficiency within Whitehall were often met with hostility, contrasting the lack of incentive for efficiency in government with the corporate sector.