What can the Foreign Office actually do when British nationals are caught up in a crisis overseas?
@hcdunlop.bsky.social and @howesdaniel.bsky.social break down the support the UK can - and can’t - provide, and why expectations often exceed reality.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/expl...
I absolutely loved listening to this podcast! Such an interesting discussion about what it's like being in parliament from three women with some different experience but lots in common too!
Huge thanks to @elliechowns.bsky.social @drbeccycoopermp.bsky.social and Karen Bradley MP for joining me for #IWD2026.
Got into quite the debate about what the constituency inbox teaches you about problems facing our public services and frustrations that causes
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
And the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk just wouldn't be the org it is now without Emma. She's done so much to build its reputation, its expertise and its staff. She has insights into public policy and the politics that drives it that any think tank is lucky to have. @ippr.org did well poaching her!
Gemma has done amazing work building the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk economic and fiscal programme and - as someone who always has to pass on anything economicky - she is so so good at communicating it.
Can't wait for her new role developing our research and innovation more widely.
Fantastic to see both of the brilliant @emmanorris.bsky.social and @gemmatetlow.bsky.social recognised in this year's Women in Westminster top 100.
Both are incredibly impressive colleagues and I've learnt so much from them. www.politicshome.com/in-focus/wiw...
An image for an IfG event In conversation with Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru
Our in conversation with @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social, Leader of Plaid Cymru, will be starting in 10 minutes.
Watch the livestream and submit your questions via Slido www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/rhun-a...
All credit to @sammacrory.bsky.social
PODCAST 🎙️ All roads lead to Romeo
The IfG's experts are in the studio to discuss what new cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo can do to turn the civil service, and perhaps the government, around.
PLUS: Ethics in public life and local elections U-turn www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Read this from Hannah - what Antonia Romeo must do now she is cabinet secretary ⬇️
Been thinking about the balance Romeo now needs to strike - which is somehow making civil servants (and politicians) really feel how bad things are in the civil service and how sorely needed reforms are, while also convincing them that she is the person that can change it. Quite the tightrope...
Never doubted it for a second. Your historical judgement is too sound.
No biggie: "Handling the implications of a royal arrest is undoubtedly the biggest challenge for a new cabinet secretary since the post was created 110 years ago," one former aide to a cabinet secretary told Playbook PM.
Fwiw this in the Playbook evening email is not me…(am quoted later on)
The Mountbatten-Windsor arrest is a challenge alright, but neither the biggest for a new cab sec nor historically challenging for the cab sec
Maurice Hankey started in the middle of the First World War! Edward Bridges in 1938!
Really enjoyed discussing what it's like being an @instituteforgovernment.org.uk researcher at the "Working in the think tank sector" event at @resolutionfoundation.org yesterday. Recording available below, with the "Day in a life" panel starting from 1:43.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2S1...
Antonia Romeo appointed as cabinet secretary - @alexgathomas.bsky.social and I wrote last week about the challenges ahead for her and what lessons need to be taken from Wormald's tenure: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
Thank you Playbook for the shout-out this morning- piece is here www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The workload facing MPs and their staff is growing, in ways that aren't visible to the public: casework and the inbox.
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
Cat Little requested a direction from the PM on the grounds of propriety and value for money. Given the seniority of the cabinet secretary role and since Cat Little reported to Wormald, she argued that the PM's authorisation was required to approve the severance package.
The government has withdrawn plans to delay elections in 30 areas undergoing local government reorganisation.
So where will local elections now take place? We've updated our local elections 2026 explainer www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
Having answered a lot of questions I’ve now directed them to the list of ministerial responsibilities for CO ministers.
Because I also know how to have fun.
Mum is hanging out with her sister.
Their idea of fun on a Monday night currently consists of them sending me questions about what the Cabinet Office actually does.
Good thread from @matthewfright.bsky.social on the government's decision to u-turn on their earlier decision to delay local elections
With central government set to decide new local authority boundaries by March for devolution priority areas - and by the summer for others - join us on 26 February to explore how ministers should decide the shape and size of future unitary authorities.
Details and sign‑up link below.👇
Sir Chris Wormald will step down as cabinet secretary
@alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social give their take on Wormald's short stint and argue that his replacement needs to be a far more visible civil service leader www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
Last time multiple people covered for cab sec was when Simon Case was ill
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/simo...
Wormald confirmed as leaving as cabinet secretary - interesting that Antonia Romeo (MoJ), James Bowler (HMT) and Cat Little (Cabinet Office) will act as joint interims
www.gov.uk/government/n...
PODCAST 🎙️ Resets and resignations: Starmer's worst week yet
Former No.10 chief of staff Gavin Barwell joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social to discuss another explosive week at the heart of government www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Tbf it is now nearly Wednesday so we’re getting there
At some point this morning I accidentally referred to today as Friday and had to have it pointed out it was only just Tuesday.
Can I second that: Gavin.