UK Appoints Brian Bell as New Chief Economic Adviser to Treasury and Prime Minister

The UK government has appointed economist Brian Bell as its new chief economic adviser, placing him at the centre of fiscal and macroeconomic policymaking at a time of continued economic uncertainty. Bell will advise Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer on key issues including growth strategy, public finances and the broader direction of the British economy.

Bell currently serves as Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee and is a Professor of Economics at King’s College London. His appointment brings together experience from academia, central banking and financial markets, reflecting the government’s emphasis on economic expertise as it seeks to strengthen public finances and support long term growth.

According to the Treasury, Bell has previously worked at the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund, giving him direct exposure to monetary policy, international economic coordination and financial stability frameworks. He has also spent time in the private sector as an economist and proprietary trader for hedge funds and investment banks in London, experience that is likely to inform his understanding of market dynamics and investor sentiment.

In a statement following his appointment, Bell described the current period as pivotal for the UK economy. He pointed to the government’s plans to deliver sustainable growth, reduce the cost of living and improve economic security for households and businesses. His role will involve shaping fiscal policy advice, assessing economic risks and providing analysis to support decisions on taxation, public spending and borrowing.

Bell replaces Sam Beckett, a senior civil servant who had held the position since 2023. The transition comes as the government continues to navigate sluggish growth, persistent inflationary pressures and tight public finances. Economic forecasts remain closely watched by markets, particularly in relation to debt levels and the trajectory of interest rates.

The chief economic adviser plays a central role within the Treasury, offering independent economic assessment to ministers and helping to coordinate policy analysis across departments. The position also involves engagement with external institutions, including the Office for Budget Responsibility, the Bank of England and international financial bodies.

Bell’s background in migration economics may also prove relevant, as labour market participation and workforce shortages remain key components of the government’s growth strategy. Policymakers have repeatedly linked productivity and long term economic performance to labour supply, skills development and business investment.

Markets will be watching closely for signals on how Bell’s appointment might influence fiscal priorities, particularly as the government balances spending commitments with efforts to maintain credibility in financial markets. Investors have remained sensitive to policy shifts since recent years of volatility in UK bond markets.

The appointment underscores the government’s focus on reinforcing economic leadership as it seeks to stabilise public finances and create conditions for durable growth. With fiscal policy under intense scrutiny and global economic conditions still uncertain, Bell steps into the role at a moment when clear economic guidance is likely to shape both domestic confidence and international perceptions of the UK economy.