
3BW3G8R London, England, UK. 16th July, 2025. UK Prime Minister Sir KEIR STARMER is seen departing 10 Downing Street in London to attend Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. (Credit Image: © Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire) EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY! Not for Commercial USAGE!
Downing Street Opens Its Doors to Digital Creators for the First Time
This week, 10 Downing Street will host an unprecedented reception for online influencers, marking a significant shift in the government’s communications strategy. Instead of relying solely on traditional media outlets, No 10 is embracing creators with massive followings to reach new audiences across social platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
An Invitation List of 70–90 Influencers
According to insider sources, Downing Street will welcome between 70 and 90 content creators on Thursday afternoon. These influencers—whose combined followings exceed 250 million—have already engaged with the government over the past year. Notable invitees include:
- Abi Foster: a personal finance influencer known for breaking down complex money topics.
- Gabriel Nussbaum: another finance creator who demystifies investment strategies for younger audiences.
- Behind-the-scenes operators who have collaborated with No 10 to promote policy announcements on their channels.
The reception will feature panel discussions on how creators can best partner with government departments, as well as sessions on building a sustainable online career.
Embedding Influencers into Government Comms
Government communications strategists have integrated influencers into daily operations. Creators now receive press notices alongside outlets like the BBC and Sky News. Other examples include:
- Foreign Office briefings for creators such as Alex Dragonetti, ahead of sanctions announcements on people smuggling.
- Defra collaborations with YouTuber Cam Whitnall to publicise new animal welfare rules in zoos.
By inviting influencers to press conferences and providing background ministerial briefings, No 10 hopes to craft messages that resonate on platforms where voters spend increasing amounts of time.
Influencers at the Heart of Policy Announcements
During the recent NATO summit, the model was tested when TikTok creator Max Klymenko interviewed Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The clip alone garnered over 1.3 million views on TikTok, demonstrating the power of influencer-led content to amplify major political events.
Similarly, the campaign to raise the National Minimum Wage and roll out free breakfast clubs has seen targeted collaborations with creators who specialise in workers’ rights and social issues. By tapping into niche audiences, the government aims to supercharge awareness and drive community-level engagement.
Reaching Beyond Political Media
No 10’s push extends to lifestyle and entertainment outlets, too. Recent examples include:
- Grazia magazine: Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner discussed her first year in office.
- Good Housekeeping: Minister for Safeguarding Jess Philips spoke about new measures to protect vulnerable groups.
These interviews allow the government to address demographics less likely to follow traditional political journalism, widening its reach beyond Westminster circles.
Experimental Platforms: Reddit and TikTok
Earlier this year, the Government launched its own subreddit, UKGovNews, to test community-driven discussion. In its first month, 44 posts focused on:
- Transport connectivity updates.
- Rail service improvements.
- Availability of driving tests.
- Pothole repairs.
Meanwhile, the official @UKGov TikTok account continues to post short-form videos, attracting users even though the app is banned on government devices and within the parliamentary estate.
Targeting Young Voters Ahead of 16+ Franchise
With plans to lower the voting age to 16, several Labour figures have joined TikTok in recent weeks. By experimenting with dances, Q&A sessions and explainers, MPs hope to connect with teenagers and build civic awareness well before the next general election.
No 10’s Head of New Media noted: “We’ve long known that to win hearts and minds, we must go where people are. Working with creators and influencers on digital platforms is not just a gimmick—it’s integral to telling our story effectively and authentically.”
Panel Sessions and Networking
The reception will feature roundtable discussions on best practices for content collaborations, including:
- Guidelines for co-creating videos on policy topics.
- Techniques for maintaining authenticity while adhering to government messaging.
- Opportunities for ongoing partnerships beyond one-off campaigns.
Invited creators will also have networking slots with press officers and special advisers, deepening relationships that can lead to sustained campaigns.
Tracking Engagement Metrics
Government teams will monitor engagement data—views, likes, share rates and audience demographics—to gauge the success of influencer content. This data-driven approach aims to refine messaging strategies and demonstrate tangible return on investment to taxpayers.
As the digital landscape evolves, Downing Street’s first-ever influencer reception marks an ambitious effort to modernise political communications. By blending traditional media with the personal touch of content creators, No 10 hopes to forge deeper connections with the public—and ultimately, to win votes where they are most engaged: online.