Parliament will be prorogued today, signalling the end of the 2024-26 parliamentary session. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pr... But what progress did the government make on its legislative agenda? Our graphic sets out the status of the government's King's Speech bills

We haven't posted on Bluesky about the IfG Academy's work for a while – but we've been really busy. Here's a round-up of what we've been up to www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ifg-academy

Insight for anyone who doesn't know how reshuffles work in the building... Thornberry: Why is he texting you if you're both in No.10? McSweeney: because he wasn't in the room There are *quite a lot* of rooms in No10 and related complex...

With devolved and local elections fast approaching, it's worth refreshing yourself on the different electoral systems across the UK - How they work, and what effects they have: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/el...

A lukewarm take: I think there would be genuine merit in (another) fly-on-the-wall documentary series about how parliament actually works, that follows MPs (in Westminster AND their constituencies), members of the Lords, and staff

One of many reasons why we are overdue a big (and inevitably difficult) conversation about what we actually *want* from our MPs and how we think they should balance the different aspects of their jobs

New IfG report recommends devolving employment support. I think the case for this is very strong: if you look at a map of “where sickness related economic inactivity happens”, it is obvious that what you are seeing is primarily a problem of how local economies operate:

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has reached its final iteration and will soon gain royal assent. This is a victory for supporters of a 'smokefree generation' in the UK. But the cross-partisan consensus around the proposal is already faltering.

There's so much to write about everything that's happening with Mandelson vetting fight (and always happy to explain the process, others have done so v well on here). But the v. aggressive approach from no10 is over the weekend is just so damaging - so have tried to capture some of that

not sure what people thought "dynamic alignment" would mean when govt said it was prepared to sign up to it (checks notes) 11 months ago -- this from @thetimes.com

New weekend reading from me - Antonia Romeo is the first Cabinet Secretary in a decade (and there have been a few) to publish her performance objectives. Sounds a bit unremarkable, but there's more to it than meets the eye 👇

new online paper by @rosahodgkin.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social and me on how govt needs to get a grip of the economic consequences of the Iran war. Needs to stand up coordinating machinery - like Gordon Brown's National Economic Council www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

The constant Westminster-based attacks on S. Cambs by Conservatives and Labour are both depressing and incredibly boring It’s good for councils to try new things! Evidence suggests the 4 day week scheme has been successful! If residents don’t like it, they can vote out the Lib Dems next month!

Clearing the consultation sludge is welcome – but good policy still requires meaningful engagement. Plans to revisit impact assessments show the shift to ‘delivery’ shaping policy, write @vimbai-dzimwasha.bsky.social and @rosahodgkin.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...

Have written about why I think the sludge stuff (announcements from gov last week on consultations etc) is of a different quality to the 'rewire the state' sloganeering that we have had before and why that is good!

Professional development for politicians has become the new normal. Ministers, MPs and spads all benefit from taking time to work out how they will make the most of their time in office, say @timdurrant.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mini...

Meet the IfG Interns for 2025-26! What is it like to work at the Institute for Government as an intern – and what exactly do our research teams do? Our current intern cohort lift the lid on life at the IfG. 📺 Watch the full video www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...

NEW REPORT: the government claims that it wants public services to be more devolved, better integrated, and more focused on prevention With a raft of reform programmes now underway in services, are they on track to achieve those aims? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

Think this actually looks - not bad? Obviously not much detail worked out yet but this long list is much better than what we got in November (which was a classic, let's fix write rounds because they are the bit of the process I / ministers can see and 2 weeks feels long). www.gov.uk/government/n...

Nigel Farage has penned an op-ed for the Telegraph pledging to repeal Labour's somekefree generation legislation. Almost a year ago I set out for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk why policy makers should not take continued cross-partisan consensus on anti-smoking legislation for granted.

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

The cancellation then reinstatement of this year’s local elections in 30 council areas highlights that ministers have too much power over local democracy. This should change, argue @akashpaun.bsky.social and @matthewfright.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mini...

This would obviously be very bad for state capacity. The binding constraint on civil servants getting stuff done is, very clearly, not their belief in the political project. Have tried to capture some of this - while obvious it still bears saying. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/refo...

Another great reason why proper induction and ongoing professional development for MPs matters! (And as somebody who has also had to refresh their understanding of what gilt yields mean in the last 24 hours, this isn’t a criticism of MPs, who also have far bigger demands on their time than I do)

The Good, the Bad and the Unrealistic in Rachel Reeves's second Mais lecture @gilesyb.bsky.social dissects the chancellor’s growth plan – and says that Reeves’s consistency is admirable but tough choices are unavoidable www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...

It's that time again... ONS Public Sector Employment dropped today, revealing a familiar pattern - the civil service just can't stop growing. An increase of 535 from Q3 2025 to Q4 2025 brings the total to 520,860 (FTE). @instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Chancellors can't win. We tell them to think long term. Then when they do so, we write snarky bits about how people need immediate reassurance. I've explained more here. The politics of growth sucks www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

A genuinely big announcement on English devolution from Rachel Reeves today! As we at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk alongside others have argued fiscal devolution was a missing piece of the puzzle in the government's devolution white paper.

On the vetting bit specifically, I think it's good that govt has said they won't announce someone in post till their vetting is completed. But non-plussed as to this: "the Government will review the National Security Vetting system, including lessons learned from Peter Mandelson’s developed vetting"

So much to change in the civil service. It needs - a centre of govt that works - far better performance management - confidence & curiosity to lean in - less churn and more reward for sticking around and achieving things - many more reforms (see all our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk work)

Darren Jones is due to announce a citizens' assembly as part of the government's consultation on digital ID cards What is a citizens' assembly and how have they been used before? See our handy @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer ⬇️

NEW REPORT: The government’s proposed reforms to criminal trials risk tilting the system too far towards speed over fairness and justice, and could lead to further declines in performance and productivity. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

Since the government reshuffle in Sept25, the representation of women among cabinet ministers has dropped slightly from 48% to 44% - but remains higher than under any previous prime minister. Ahead of International Women’s Day, here's some insights from our interviews with women who served in govt

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...

New comment piece from me and @hcdunlop.bsky.social on independent commissioners. We say that govts fail to recognise the long-term commitment that comes with establishing commissioners. Commissioners need sufficient resources and ongoing engagement from govt to maintain credibility and succeed.

Govt’s proposed SEND reforms contain positive ideas to move the system towards early intervention. But there are tensions the govt has not yet worked through between investing in these changes quickly and ensuring reforms are fully evidenced.

Ethics in public life can’t be fixed by rules alone. Our comment, by @timdurrant.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social argues that stronger standards still rely on ministers using good judgement, and knowing when their actions undermine trust. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/ethi...

@jackworlidge.bsky.social, @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and I take a look at what’s facing Antonia Romeo in her new role 👇

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...

There's still time to register for this afternoon's Working in a Think Tank event! I'll be joining the 4.30 panel - talking about what policy impact looks like for us at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Tune in to watch that, and more: www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...

Have written about how the below is one symptom of a really bad set-up at the centre of government. It makes sense that in the moment prime ministers keep trying to find a different person to do various jobs, but the problem is also a structural one, and the dysfunctional structure keeps on winning

Thank you Playbook for the shout-out this morning- piece is here www.politicshome.com/news/article...

Me, @matthewfright.bsky.social and @meganisaac.bsky.social on another messy u-turn.

Thinking of a career in think tanks? On Wednesday, we're hosting a webinar for undergraduates or those with similar experience interested in working in the sector. We'll have speakers from numerous organisations sharing their insight and experience. Register here 👉 buff.ly/a3cO0df

Our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk conclusion on Chris Wormald’s time as cabinet secretary - and what needs to come next By me and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...

Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/

This explainer is very good on the topical offence of Misconduct in Public Office. Useful detail on when it has been used re politicians.

Great new explainer on the May elections from our devo team - full of charts and maps @meganisaac.bsky.social @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social

My take on the government's plan for police reform: a welcome attempt at ambitious, long-term change – but one that risks making police leadership and accountability too remote from local areas 🧵 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...