One former member of the Grammy-winning band Clean Bandit, Neil Amin-Smith, has taken on a new role as a senior Special Adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Amin-Smith, 36, transitioned into politics in 2019 after his music career with Clean Bandit alongside Grace Chatto and brothers Jack and Luke Patterson. The group, known for hits like “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne, saw significant success in the music industry. Amin-Smith, who holds an MPhil in Economics, made a move to the Institute for Fiscal Studies as a research economist before eventually joining the Treasury in 2019.
Having worked closely with Rachel Reeves, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, Amin-Smith gained recognition for his expertise in economic policies affecting the City of London. Despite earlier opportunities in national security roles, Amin-Smith chose to pursue music with Clean Bandit, eventually finding his way back to the political sphere as a trusted adviser.
With recent changes in the government, Amin-Smith has been appointed as a Special Adviser by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The current Chancellor, John Healey, has announced plans for the upcoming Budget, emphasizing a shift of resources and decision-making power across the UK. As part of the new Cabinet lineup, notable figures like Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting have taken on key roles in the government, reflecting Burnham’s strategic restructuring efforts.