Paul Johnson grew up in Shoreham-by-Sea and studied at Keble College, Oxford, where he held a college scholarship and gained a First in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He then studied at Birkbeck College, London, where he graduated with an MSc in Economics.
.
Paul Johnson | Career History
Paul began his career at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, where he worked for a decade (1988-1998), rising to deputy director in his final two years. In 1998, he transitioned to a role as an advisor on pensions and welfare reform within the Cabinet Office, where he contributed to key policy initiatives. Shortly after, he became head of Economies of Financial Regulation at the Financial Services Authority, a post he held until 2000.
His career then saw him take on leadership roles in government, starting as the chief economist and director of analytical services for the Department for Education and Employment (later known as the Department for Education and Skills) from 2000 to 2004. Following this, he joined HM Treasury as Director of Public Services and Chief Micro-Economist until 2007. During his time at HM Treasury, he also held the position of deputy head of the Government Economic Service between 2005 and 2007.
From 2007 to 2010, Johnson was a senior associate at Frontier Economics, where he provided high-level consultancy on economic matters. In 2011, he returned to the Institute for Fiscal Studies as director, bringing his extensive expertise to one of the UK’s leading economic research institutes.
Over his distinguished career, Johnson has served on several influential bodies, including the Economic and Social Research Council (2002-2007) and the Committee on Climate Change (2012-2023). His work has involved reviewing significant government initiatives, including the automatic enrolment system for pensions, inflation measurement for the UK Statistics Authority, and tax devolution for the Northern Ireland Executive. His leadership and insights have had a lasting impact on economic policy and research across the UK.
.
Paul Johnson | Book
Paul’s book Follow the Money: How Much Does Britain Cost? was published in 2023, illustrating how well – or not – the government raises and spends £1 trillion every year. It has already been a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller and aims to hold the government to account. Robert Peston described it as ‘an important book by the economist who has set the terms of so much political debate over the past decade.’ “Gripping and horrifying…witty and brilliant. Buy it.’ The Times.
.
Paul Johnson | In the Media
Paul frequently contributes to written and broadcast media, and his radio recordings include the acclaimed ‘Austerity Audit’ for Radio 4. He has published extensively on the economics of public policy, including tax, welfare, housing, pensions, education, climate change and public finances.
.
Paul Johnson | Recognition and Awards
Paul was awarded a CBE for services to the social sciences and economics in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. He was also elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in 2018. He holds honorary doctorates from the universities of Exeter, York and Sussex and University College London. He is an honorary fellow of Keble College, Oxford.
.
To check fees and availability for Paul Johnson, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289
