By: Paul Ormerod

Paul Ormerod is an economist at Volterra Partners LLP, author and an Honorary Professor at the Alliance Business School at the University of Manchester

All 209 Articles

Rachel Reeves vs the Hydra (the black hole that keeps on growing)

October 8, 2025

Super-heroine Rachel Reeves is in battle with a mythical beast that keeps multiplying, and the OBR won't help her, writes Paul Ormerod.
Does Bank Rate really control inflation?

September 26, 2025

Despite the Bank of England’s claim that Bank Rate controls inflation, recent policy decisions — including cutting rates while inflation stayed high — suggest the relationship is weak, inflation is more persistent than expected, and the MPC may be underestimating how hard it is to bring prices down, says Paul Ormerod The Bank of England [...]
Ed Miliband’s pay now buy later climate policy

September 17, 2025

Behavioural economics teaches us that consumers weigh benefits received and costs incurred in the present much more heavily than if they’re in the distant future. That’s a problem for net zero policy makers like Ed Miliband, says Paul Ormerod The headlines are full of bad news for Kier Starmer. But an important story last week [...]
Tube strikes: With union ingratitude on full display, will Labour finally change course?

September 9, 2025

As Tube strikes bring London to a halt, Labour must realise its pushover relations with trade unions have been to no avail, writes Paul Ormerod.
Could the Labour Party just disappear?

September 3, 2025

The Labour Party has been a prominent feature of British politics for a century. But could it now just vanish?
Has Reeves realised she’s reached the limits of taxation?

August 6, 2025

Much of the economic damage has already been done, but in ruling out wealth taxes and further pay deals with doctors, at least the Chancellor is allowing a shimmer of light to peep through, says Paul Ormerod England’s cricketers narrowly failed to score the 374 runs needed to beat India in the final Test match [...]
Is Joe Root actually the greatest English batsman ever?

July 30, 2025

Joe Root has been acclaimed as the greatest English batsman ever, but is it actually true? Paul Ormerod delves into the stats.
Starmer must face down the self-righteous clowns on his back benches

July 23, 2025

Keir Starmer’s attempt to select compliant MPs has backfired, producing a rebellious and ill-informed parliamentary party that has already successfully vetoed its own government’s economic policy, says Paul Ormerod A fundamental feature of the social and economic world is that intentions are not the same as outcomes. Morgan McSweeney and his colleagues exercised very close [...]
Enough with black-hole blaming, Reeves is ignoring low hanging fruit

July 15, 2025

Raising taxes and plugging black holes, Reeves's discourse ignores proven (and easier) methods to boost productivity, says Paul Ormerod.
To find out who’s to blame for economic uncertainty, reeves should look in the mirror

July 2, 2025

Household spending is down £50bn since last year. It’s hardly surprising there’s so much uncertainty in the economy given the relentless negativity of the Chancellor herself, says Paul Ormerod Households in Britain are still saving large chunks of their incomes. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed this week that the percentage of income saved [...]

The 2026 tax year has started. Here’s what you need to know

Newcastle United and Everton stadium sales are not solutions, they are delays

Barbican Centre: the brutalist landmark weaving art into everyday London life.

By: Paul Ormerod

All 209 Articles

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