Campaign group the TaxPayers’ Alliance has today (April 14) released its 2026 Town Hall Rich List, detailing council employees across the UK who receive £100,000 or more in salaries, bonuses and pensions within a single financial year.
The list reveals that 29 employees at Leeds City Council earned more than £100,000 in the 2024–2025 financial year - up from 24 in 2024. Local authorities are only required to name employees whose salaries exceed £150,000.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said that the salaries paid to its chief officers are “consistent with the duties they are required to undertake”, with salary grades benchmarked and evaluated “according to the size and scope of each individual role.”
The authority added: “Leeds is the country’s second biggest unitary council and remains open and transparent about its salary levels. The number of staff earning over £100,000 represents 0.20 per cent of the workforce.
“Like all local authorities, Leeds City Council has faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years due to increased demand for services, and the council’s senior management team have played an important role in coordinating the city’s response.”
Below, we look at the 29 employees who earned more than £100,000 in the 2024-2025 financial year. Please note that unnamed employees have been grouped together, and that two employees on the list - former chief executive Tom Riordan and director of city development Martin Farrington - both stepped down from their roles during the financial year.
1. Martin Farrington - £100,607
Martin Farrington, pictured right, was Leeds City Council's director of city development. He earned a £86,880 salary and £13,727 in pension contributions, with a total package of £100,607 until September 30, 2024. | Johnston Press
2. Unnamed employee - £102,500
Two unnamed employees, whose roles are not disclosed, earned £102,500. Local authorities are not required to publish the names or roles of employees who earn less than £150,000. | Iconic Photo: Steve Riding
3. Unnamed employee - £107,500
Three unnamed employees, whose roles are not disclosed, earned £107,500. Local authorities are not required to publish the names or roles of employees who earn less than £150,000. | Iconic Photo: Simon Hulme
4. Angela Barnicle - £109,316
Angela Barnicle is the council's director of city development. She earned a £94,401 salary and £14,915 in pension contributions, with a total package of £109,316. | ©Giles Rocholl Photography Ltd
5. Tom Riordan - £109,776
Tom Riordan was the council's chief executive until he stepped down on September 22, 2024. He earned a £94,833 salary and £14,943 in pension contributions, with a total package of £109,776. He also received £38,300 in relation to returning officer role during national elections. | Local Library
6. Unnamed employee - £112,500
Six unnamed employees, whose roles are not disclosed, earned £112,500. Local authorities are not required to publish the names or roles of employees who earn less than £150,000. | Iconic Photo: Simon Hulme