It may be fleeting, but the sight of a clear, bright blue sky gleaming over Londontown never fails to bring delight. The manageable temperatures (i.e. not sweltering) and lighter evenings are incredibly nourishing and further spotlight the architectural beauty steeped in history.
05.03.2026 19:34 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
The angriest group in British politics? Graduates on plan two loans.
I've explored why the complex world of student finance has left yuppies infuriated with the government just as they try to get on the housing ladder and start families.
My @politico.eu analysis below 👇
Full @politico.eu analysis on what the Greater Manchester battle means for the centre right's future here:
www.politico.eu/article/refo...
But Savanta's @chrishopkins92.bsky.social warned against reading too much into the contest for any party:
“Reform’s popularity isn’t necessarily because they’re seen as the ‘true right’ but is more down to them being de-risked as voters see the Conservatives and Labour as so bad.”
Queen Mary, University of London academic @timbale.bsky.social said Reform's failure to win could spark questions about a pact:
“Maybe Farage shouldn’t, at least in private, rule out a deal with the Tories in the long run, even if he still says publicly he intends to replace them.”
Some Tories believe Reform UK has peaked:
“While last night’s result was disappointing ... it was not really our battlefield,” said former Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell. It “was, however, very bad for Reform and may mark the beginning of the end of their hegemony.”
NEW: Nigel Farage settles for second best.
Reform UK lost the Gorton and Denton by-election — but still thinks it's the main vehicle to take on Labour.
“This is a massive change,” said Gawain Towler. “When was the last time any right of centre party got anywhere near that?” 🧵
Many congratulations Sam, this sounds fascinating and incredibly timely.
27.02.2026 15:11 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Who is Hannah Spencer, the Green Party's new MP?
The plumber made her working class roots central to the by-election camapign — and a contrast to the university-dominated SW1.
Spencer said she was "just pretty normal" after winning.
My @politico.eu tale with Nick Earl below. 👇
The top sign it's a by-election day? Multiple snacks purchased with little nutritional value, but great staying awake value.
26.02.2026 18:47 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
NEW: "Disappointed," "embarrassed," "complete outrage," "unacceptable."
MPs condemned the U.S. Department of State for hosting Tommy Robinson.
Downing Street said the trip was "a matter for the U.S." ... but he's "not a representative of the U.K."
My @politico.eu tale below. 👇
It's easy to exaggerate the importance of by-elections.
But the Gorton and Denton vote tomorrow really matters.
There will be huge implications whichever party successfully seals the deal with voters — framing the local election campaign.
Do read my @politico.eu explainer below. 👇
Does Britain now do God?
Reform UK's Zia Yusuf pledged to restore a Christian heritage to tackle the “crisis of meaning.”
But British Future's @sundersays.bsky.social says: “There’s an irony that it is Britain’s new migrant populations that are slowing the decline of church-going in Britain.”
If only there was somewhere compiling all of Keir Starmer's u-turns, a list which seems appropriately timed ...
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
In quite the song choice, Keir Starmer's Radio 2 interview was immediately followed by Duffy's 'Mercy.'
16.02.2026 12:44 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Always great penning Sunday Crunch — particularly when there's plenty of news about.
If you've tuned out of events in Munich this weekend alongside Keir Starmer's domestic instability then never fear ... well, until you read the warnings from ministers!
www.politico.eu/newsletter/s...
Confused about why Keir Starmer is still in power? Join the club.
The mighty Andrew McDonald and I covered five reasons why the PM remains in No 10.
From his possible successors to the bond markets, the odds, counterintuitively, are in Starmer's favour.
www.politico.eu/article/5-re...
McSweeney becomes Keir Starmer’s second Chief of Staff to resign … on a Sunday afternoon. Conveniently timed to avoid the weekend papers and round.
He writes in his statement “much has been written and said about me over the years” — will he try to reclaim the narrative now?
🍟 IN LONDON PLAYBOOK PM TONIGHT: All in the screengrab, plus ...
🍟 This: x.com/danbloom1/st...
🍟 Rachel Maskell gave Starmer a big hug at Chequers
🍟 Back Keir website launched (h/t @noahkeate.bsky.social)
🍟 Claim Lab membership has surged with supporters
🍟 David Frost joins Lib Dem Lords?
Peers won't scrutinise the assisted dying bill again until February 27th — increasing the chance it'll fail by the King's speech.
But numerous MPs told me they're willing to sponsor the legislation in the next session using the Parliament Act.
Full rundown in @politico.eu's Playbook PM 👇
NEW: MPs should override the Lords to introduce assisted dying, says David Neuberger.
The ex-Supreme Court President told me supporters were right to suggest using the Parliament Act to pass the bill if it falls by the King's speech.
My @politico.eu story in the post below👇
How Peter Mandelson placed Keir Starmer in a perilous political situation.
The @politico.eu analysis below from @danbloom1.bsky.social and yours truly assesses where the PM goes next — and why so many of his parliamentary party are utterly infuriated.
www.politico.eu/article/pete...
Today's @politico.eu #PMQs scorecard saw a battle of the deputies while Keir Starmer enjoyed China. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith pressed David Lammy on the business rates u-turn — but the deputy PM brushed off the attacks with some barbs.
www.politico.eu/article/pmqs...
