Jeffrey Archer (1940-2026): A writer of fiction in all senses Opinion Following the death of novelist and former political Jeffrey Archer, Eliot Wilson looks back at a complicated life.
If black labradors are a far right fantasy, I guess I’m a fascist Opinion That labradors aren't a sign of fascism feels self-explanatory, yet Labour blathers on, writes James Ford's hand in today's Notebook.
National Audit Office launches review into Capita’s handling of civil service pension scheme Politics Capita has said the public spending watchdog has launched a review into its administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, after admitting its performance “remains below” the standards expected. The National Audit Office (NAO) has launched a further formal review into the London-listed outsourcer’s handling of the scheme, building on the watchdog’s initial June 2025 [...]
Economists warn of tax hikes after Burnham admits social care funding ‘shortfall’ September 30, 2026 Andy Burnham has admitted there may be a “shortfall” in his ambitious plans to fund a new national care service, as economists warn that taxes will have to rise. Burnham announced plans to adjust the triple lock from 2030, effectively creating a double lock, using the savings to fund the new service. The new mechanism [...]
End of triple lock: What is the double lock and will it work? September 29, 2026 Andy Burnham has pledged to drop the triple lock on state pensions for a so-called ‘double lock’ in Labour’s next manifesto in order to pay for his new National Care Service. In an address to party members, Burnham confirmed the existing triple lock mechanism will remain in place for the remainder of this parliament before [...]
Why is Burnham set to turn against the triple lock? September 29, 2026 The controversial pension triple lock is reportedly set to face the axe as Andy Burnham looks to rewire the UK’s pension landscape to fund his plans. In his maiden conference speech as prime minister on Tuesday, Burnham is expected to signal the death of the triple lock after 16 years, bringing an end to pensioner’s [...]
Burnham to announce new publicly-owned grid operator September 29, 2026 Andy Burnham is expected to announce a new publicly-owned body which will invest in the UK’s electricity grid in an attempt to bring down Britain’s sky-high energy costs. The Prime Minister is tipped to unveil Great British Grid, which will speed up connections to the grid by driving up competition for projects, during his Labour [...]
Burnham set to signal end of triple lock in conference speech September 29, 2026 Andy Burnham is set to signal the end of the triple lock on pensions in his maiden conference speech as Prime Minister, in a move that is likely to divide the Labour party. In his maiden conference speech as Labour leader, Burnham will suggest the policy is not sustainable in its current form and should [...]
AI and politics will never destroy the beauty of supporting clubs like Bournemouth September 26, 2026 A record transfer window, club investments at ever increasing valuations and the same unpredictability of results on the football pitch. Was it ever thus? And will it ever change? The memories sport creates are at the heart of what makes it so special. Taking a step back, next year will mark 30 years since I [...]
Autumn Budget: Healey weighs slashing fiscal headroom to reduce tax hikes September 24, 2026 Chancellor John Healey is debating accepting a smaller fiscal buffer in order to reduce tax hikes in next month’s Autumn Budget. The Treasury and No 10 are in active discussions over whether to set a lower buffer in the Budget than the Office for Budget Responsibility set in March, according to reports in the Financial [...]