Many congratulations to Doug Wilson, the new Treasury Solicitor and head of the Government Legal Department. (One of the best jobs) www.gov.uk/government/n...

As ever there is much gloom out there, but I feel an elderflower mint martini may help to lift it

As ever there is much gloom out there, but I feel an elderflower mint martini may help to lift it

Many congratulations to Doug Wilson, the new Treasury Solicitor and head of the Government Legal Department. (One of the best jobs) www.gov.uk/government/n...

I think @davidallengreen.bsky.social’s principle of litigation should also apply to war: if you’re “surprised” by what the other side does, you’re not doing it right

Senior Reform UK members are reportedly exploring a US-style executive order approach to government. @sirjjkc.bsky.social examines whether government by executive order is a plausible model for the UK www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...

Could a Reform UK government govern by “executive order”? Or pass an “Enabling Act”? I discuss this for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Could a Reform UK government govern by “executive order”? Or pass an “Enabling Act”? I discuss this for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Sometimes one must return to the classics. Here’s a negroni. The Count of Cocktails

Sometimes one must return to the classics. Here’s a negroni. The Count of Cocktails

V interesting interview

“… with a focus on making change via executive orders rather than legislation …” We don’t have “executive orders” in the UK. Aside from some limited prerogative powers, ministers only have powers conferred on them by parliament, through legislation

One of the prerogative powers is appointment of peers: a good reason for the current government to legislate to put some controls around the appointment of life peers. So at least an incoming government would have to get Parliament to make any changes

“… with a focus on making change via executive orders rather than legislation …” We don’t have “executive orders” in the UK. Aside from some limited prerogative powers, ministers only have powers conferred on them by parliament, through legislation

Life imitating art. Martinis ad infinitum

Life imitating art. Martinis ad infinitum

They’re all quite mad

Not for the first time, I’m wishing our politicians would sometimes be brave enough to say about some topical issue (otters on banknotes) - “oh I don’t care, I’ve got more important things to worry about, put the tellytubbies on for all I care”

Excellent appointment

Update

Is there an award for the most annoying advert? Can I nominate Domino-hoo-hoo?

Interesting idea from David Howarth on “how to become a republic”. Abolishing the Lord Chancellor turned out to more complicated than people thought - to the extent that we still have one David’s idea for the monarch is simpler - keep all the same functions, just have them done by someone else

Spring in Ely. For one day at least

Spring in Ely. For one day at least

*Representation of the People Bill update* Steve Reed has just announced: 'We will repeal in full the power for government to impose a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission'. A very welcome change. I set out last week why it was needed. constitution-unit.com/2026/02/26/t...

Legal advice re use of UK bases for attacks on Iranian missile bases now published www.gov.uk/government/n...

Everyone is analysing the implications of the byelection for Keir Starmer and Labour but the most important lessons are for democracy - my latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gort...

I promised something green This is a Vertini Hendricks gin, mix of lemon/lime juice & syrup muddled with mint and cucumber Though I say so myself it should win by a landslide

I promised something green This is a Vertini Hendricks gin, mix of lemon/lime juice & syrup muddled with mint and cucumber Though I say so myself it should win by a landslide

Maybe a green cocktail this evening. My sole comment on the by-election

Robin Butler, Richard Wilson, Andrew Turnbull, Gus O’Donnell, Mark Sedwill and Simon Case said: “We believe that Dame Antonia Romeo is an excellent choice as cabinet secretary" www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...

Here you go again

BREAKING: Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Uk government considers legislation to remove Andrew from the line of royal succession www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

There is much madness out there, but some pockets of sanity - and always cocktails Here is a whisky ginger lime smash (Not the most imaginative name, but I did indeed smash bourbon, limes, root ginger + simple syrup, dash of lemon bitters)

There is much madness out there, but some pockets of sanity - and always cocktails Here is a whisky ginger lime smash (Not the most imaginative name, but I did indeed smash bourbon, limes, root ginger + simple syrup, dash of lemon bitters)

A prediction from Mystic Jones: The monarchy will survive: William and in time George will be king

In case relevant …

In case relevant …

NEW: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the first female Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, it is understood.

Yesterday the Cabinet Office published the ministerial direction on Chris Wormald's exit payment 👇 This has been discussed a bit in the media, mainly in terms of 'civil service tried to block the huge payout' A few points on this.. www.gov.uk/government/p...

Decision to postpone local elections reversed “in the light of recent legal advice”. What’s going on? The government will certainly have had legal advice all along. We may never know the details since legal advice is generally confidential /1

Decision to postpone local elections reversed “in the light of recent legal advice”. What’s going on? The government will certainly have had legal advice all along. We may never know the details since legal advice is generally confidential /1

It won’t last. (The weather I mean. The cathedral should be good for another 1,000 years I hope)

It won’t last. (The weather I mean. The cathedral should be good for another 1,000 years I hope)

It’s that time again. #FridayCocktail This is a rather gorgeous Pontberry Martini. I muddled a couple of blackberries + vodka, crème de mûre, cranberry juice and a dash of chocolate bitters

Unexpected culinary discovery: roasted cauliflower LEAVES. Delicious vegetable crisps

It’s that time again. #FridayCocktail This is a rather gorgeous Pontberry Martini. I muddled a couple of blackberries + vodka, crème de mûre, cranberry juice and a dash of chocolate bitters

Wow! Palestine Action win judicial review - Guardian report. This is a *big* legal win. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

My God. What a total and utter shit show. Axed civil servant gets £260k after Starmer overrules objections www.thetimes.com/article/e01c...