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...

A big moment. As @rebeccamckee.bsky.social outlines the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and others have long argued for stronger fiscal devo. The Chancellor's proposals for a roadmap for fiscal devo creates real opportunities for improved economic outcomes.

Today 1230-1330, Malcolm Offord, leader of Reform UK Scotland is speaking at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk - online signup details are outlined below. To see other recent interviews with Scottish party leaders head over to www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-work/top...

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/...

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...

What did we learn from the OBR's forecast? @danhaile.bsky.social gives his reaction to the 2026 spring forecast and tells us why the chancellor was right to preserve a buffer against her fiscal rules. More analysis to follow www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/spring-forec...

Rachel Reeves has resisted the temptation to use today's spring forecast to tinker with the tax system. @jillongovt.bsky.social says the chancellor has made the right choice. Keep an eye on our spring forecast 2026 page for more analysis soon www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/spring-forec...

I really enjoyed chairing this afternoon's event, with Plaid Cymru leader @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social, on his plans for government Do watch back at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXM-...

Here @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to hear leader of @plaidcymru.bsky.social, @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social in conversation with @akashpaun.bsky.social

Starting now Rhun ap Iorwerth is speaking on stage at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk stream online via the link below

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth will be speaking at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk today from 1230-1330. Details for in person and online sign up below. 👇

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.

Following the Plaid Cymru Spring conference, Rhun ap Iorwerth will be speaking at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on Monday 1230-1330. Details for in person and online sign up below. 👇

EVENT | How should ministers decide the size and shape of new unitary authorities? Join us on today for the first in our series on Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/minist...

NEW RESEARCH📢 Today we published the second policy briefing in our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab series, in partnership with L&G, exploring how mayors can secure investment into regional economies. Short thread🧵

At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk we're pleased to work with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social on our new series: Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation. Our first event on Thursday asks how ministers should decide the shape and size of new unitaries. Sign up to join in person or online 👇

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...

Well, hello world! State of the Future is a new think tank (from @gavinfreeguard.com) for public servants and others who believe data, digital, openness and innovation can deliver better policy, better services and better outcomes for people. sotf.org.uk (Quiet news day to soft launch, eh?)

This is a really exciting new org - looking forward to seeing what Gavin and co get up to!

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...

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

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

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...

Earlier the government reversed its decision to delay elections in 30 areas across England. This is a welcome decision. At the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk we've previously argued elections should only be delayed in exceptional circumstances.

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.👇

At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk pleased to work with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social on a new series on Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation. Join our first event on 26 Feb asking how should ministers decide the shape and size of new unitaries. In person and online - sign up below.

Fascinating and appalling stuff on the Mandelson scandal, how it came out, why it didn't come out sooner and what it might now mean. Great to have @pickardje.bsky.social joining @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and @alexgathomas.bsky.social to explore it all. bsky.app/profile/inst...

With major changes to local government underway, the 2026 local elections won’t be like a normal year. Our explainer sets out what’s happening: where votes will take place, and why over 600 planned contests are being postponed. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...

How can devolution improve transport connectivity across the UK? Our latest 'Learning from DevoLab' paper explores powers, funding and options for reform. Read the full publication here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

Delighted that we at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are once again supporting this annual online event aimed at reaching people currently under-represented in the think tank sector… please share with your networks… www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...

The next set of mayoral elections will be more like a lottery as voters will have to guess who will make it into the Top Two and who they want/want to stop to be mayor. Lets have proper preferential voting now.

NEW RESEARCH📢 Excited to share the third report in the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab series exploring how devolution can improve transport connectivity. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

NEW | How devolution can improve transport connectivity Our latest DevoLab briefing sets out three case studies showing how mayoral strategic authorities are ideally placed to help tackle England’s transport challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

1/ With only a few months until the May elections, in this new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer we outline where elections are going ahead, where they aren’t, and what’s at stake🧵👇  www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...

"Devolution allows difference. It shouldn't come as a surprise." This week we welcomed @prifweinidog.gov.wales for an in conversation with @akashpaun.bsky.social on her priorities as First Minister of Wales and how the Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster can cooperate on shared goals

Today, in her keynote speech at the Institute for Government, the FM set out her vision for the future of devolution in Wales, including some of the IfG's favourite topics: the Barnett formula and intergovernmental relations. 🧵below on some of the key points and where you can find out more.

Starting now - Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales is talking at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. follow the link below to livestream.

Today the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk hosts First of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, to hear thoughts on the future of devolution. Not to be missed - sign up via the link below.

TOMORROW | In conversation with Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales @prifweinidog.gov.wales will join us to discuss her priorities as First Minister, relations with Westminster, the 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...

Starting shortly - tune in to hear about Darren Jones's plans for rewiring the state

In a couple of hours we'll be hearing from Darren Jones about his plans to 'move fast and fix things' in government - you can watch it here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/modern...

What did we learn from our conference this week? @timdurrant.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @benpaxton.bsky.social @jackworlidge.bsky.social and me give our verdict www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...

Darren Jones at the IfG: "digital ID is about logging in and proving who you are to access public services online. That will be not just the route to digital transformation of customer-facing public services but a very clear focus in the future on the customer" (1/5)

Starting now, your key briefing on the upcoming Senedd, Holyrood and English local elections in May

📢NEW REPORT📢 Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today. If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵

Wes Streeting at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Government 2026 conference: 'the British state is like a shopping trolley with a wonky wheel' and needs direction

This is getting going now, will live tweet some of the highlights of what Streeting says Thread below...

Streeting says that centralisation has ‘infantilised’ the NHS and he’s scrapping NHSE because you can’t run the NHS from ‘two offices’ in London. Yet scrapping NHSE gives him more power, with the NHS now arguably run from one office in London

🎄 🎶Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect and a House of Lords battle renewed 🎶 🎄 @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social on this week’s Inside Briefing podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...