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FORMULA One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is Britain's top earner for the second year running having made a mind-blowing 788 million from his worldwide motor racing empire.
According to a new report, the diminutive 71-year-old eclipses second place Martyn Arbib, the financier and racehorse owner, by 666 million.
Surprisingly, Madonna in 11th position with 30 million, is three places higher than Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling who earned 24.8 million.
Rock stars like Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John are joined by the younger breed such as Craig David with 4 million and Dido, on 1.5 million, in the list of the country's biggest earners.
Also among the high-rollers are footballers, fashion gurus and a phalanx of high-earning City men and lawyers, making up an elite 500 who between them bring in a total of 3.3 billion.
But it is Ecclestone's wage from the sale of 25 per cent of his stake in SLEC Holdings for $1 billion 658 million at the exchange rate at the time that makes him a financial colossus among the megaearners.
Ecclestone, who still holds 25 per cent of the business and will stay in charge of F1 for another six years, boosted his share sale with other shrewd business and investments.
Last year, the 5ft tall Ecclestone got 617 million before tax when he sold a 50 per cent stake equalling the annual income of 80,000 people earning the then national minimum wage of 3.70 an hour. This year's windfall brings Ecclestone, who also has the rights to three race tracks which could net him another 130 million a year, close to earning 80,000 every hour of the year.
In second place, Arbib, 62, an accountant by training, brought in 122.873 million with his legendary stock picking. The City outsider sold his fund management group Perpetual to Arrivescap, benefiting himself and his family trusts by 113 million in cash from their 425 million slice of the 1 billion overall price. Added to that enormous payout was 9.7 million in dividends and a 134,802 salary.
Arbib was among Britain's 500 highest-ranking earners which include 308 new entries.
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