In praise of Count Binface Opinion By standing in the impending by-election in Clacton, Count Binface has more than proved his worth to both comedy and democracy, says James Ford I must confess to having a conflicted attitude to Count Binface. On the one hand, the former political adviser within me (who is, of course, a profound political snob) tends to [...]
Bank of England governor opens door to ‘simplifying’ financial rulebook Regulation Andrew Bailey opened the door to simplifying the UK’s financial rulebook as he joined Rachel Reeves for the Chancellor’s third and final Mansion House speech on Tuesday evening. The Bank of England governor distanced himself from capping taxes on banks and financial institutions, but said existing rules should help “flush out supranormal profits” by “reducing [...]
Reeves issues warning to successor as she battles to defend record Politics Rachel Reeves is set to issue a stern warning to her successor in Number 11 as she battles to defend her record after two years in office ahead of the overthrow of Labour’s election-winning leadership. In what is widely expected to be her final act as Chancellor before Andy Burnham is made Prime Minister next [...]
Reeves: Burnham will face ‘shocks and challenges’ as Prime Minister July 12, 2026 Rachel Reeves has warned Andy Burnham that he will face “shocks and challenges” as he takes the reins as Prime Minister and will need a “worked through plan” to govern. The Chancellor said that the incoming Prime Minister “needs to stay laser-focused on those things that have always motivated him” as he enters Downing Street [...]
Burnham’s cheerfulness could turn the economy around July 9, 2026 Confidence is an elusive but essential determinant of the course of the economy ignored by Reeves' doomsterism. Burnham could change that.
Farage quits to stand in ‘people versus establishment’ by-election July 7, 2026 Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced that he will resign as an MP and stand again as a candidate in an upcoming Clacton by-election as part of what he dubbed a battle of “people versus establishment”. In a video statement where he repeatedly attacked Sky News and The Times and Sunday Times for “harassing” [...]
Remembering Norman Tebbit July 7, 2026 Norman Tebbit died one year ago today. He remains a mnemonic for the high days of the high days of Thatcherism, writes Eliot Wilson A year ago today, former Conservative Cabinet minister Lord Tebbit died at the age of 94. The media coverage was extensive for a man who had left office nearly 40 years [...]
Brits say Burnham should call an election July 7, 2026 Sir Keir Starmer is set to leave Downing Street on 20 July and a majority of Brits believe Andy Burnham should call a snap election when he takes over. Nearly two thirds of voters (65 per cent) believe a new Prime Minister should call an immediate general election as opposed to 29 per cent who [...]
‘That’s reality’: Burnham will have to focus on international affairs, Starmer warns July 4, 2026 Outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer has warned his expected successor that he will have to focus on dealing with global turmoil, arguing the world is “more dangerous and volatile”. In his first interview since announcing his resignation last month, Starmer said Burnham, who is anticipated to enter No 10 in the coming weeks, will be [...]
Lisa Nandy has set a terrible precedent by flouncing off Twitter July 3, 2026 A government that first declares a platform beyond the pale, then withdraws official engagement from it, is constructing the moral case to compel its regulator to act. First you leave; then you police; then, when policing proves “insufficient”, you ban, says James Price When the Roman Senate ordered the burning of Aulus Cremutius Cordus’s histories [...]