Labour won 40% of October's 20 English council by-elections, its strongest monthly performance since May.
Reform UK lost three councillors overall, while the Conservatives gained two.
@Mark_Yale examines the changing electoral picture.
Reform UK lost three councillors overall, while the Conservatives gained two.
@Mark_Yale examines the changing electoral picture.
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Can AI unlock faster planning decisions?
PlanAssist reportedly cut time spent on key tasks by 58% in early testing. As trials expand, councils need skills, good data, and clear accountability to turn time saved into better local delivery. Read the full analysis from policy ://t.co/WOhbHcMQaV
PlanAssist reportedly cut time spent on key tasks by 58% in early testing. As trials expand, councils need skills, good data, and clear accountability to turn time saved into better local delivery. Read the full analysis from policy ://t.co/WOhbHcMQaV
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Can local leadership tackle youth unemployment?
Former Secretary of State, @alanmilburn1958 is expected to propose a youth jobs and training guarantee, delivered by councils and mayors with upfront funding and joined-up careers and health support.
Could this lead to sustained will accountability be delivered?
Former Secretary of State, @alanmilburn1958 is expected to propose a youth jobs and training guarantee, delivered by councils and mayors with upfront funding and joined-up careers and health support.
Could this lead to sustained will accountability be delivered?
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Can the @Conservatives cut taxes and spending while protecting frontline public services?
Challenged on #bbclaurak over tax breaks benefiting wealthier households, the Conservative leader points to lower National Insurance for young workers and business-rate relief, arguing her iration and growth.
@KemiBadenoch claims £70bn in savings, mostly from welfare, alongside a smaller civil service, and changes to public bodies. But pressed on cuts beyond benefits, the detail is thinner: which government activities would stop, how much would that save, and what would the consequences be for services?
Badenoch also rules out rejoining the EU and rejects another slavery apology or reparations, calling for a Commonwealth focused on trade and security.
Can a smaller state fund her tax promises without weakening the services she says she would protect?
Challenged on #bbclaurak over tax breaks benefiting wealthier households, the Conservative leader points to lower National Insurance for young workers and business-rate relief, arguing her iration and growth.
@KemiBadenoch claims £70bn in savings, mostly from welfare, alongside a smaller civil service, and changes to public bodies. But pressed on cuts beyond benefits, the detail is thinner: which government activities would stop, how much would that save, and what would the consequences be for services?
Badenoch also rules out rejoining the EU and rejects another slavery apology or reparations, calling for a Commonwealth focused on trade and security.
Can a smaller state fund her tax promises without weakening the services she says she would protect?
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Are @TheGreenParty at a crossroads over Zionism – and the kind of party they want to become?
Speaking to #bbclaurak, former Green Party Leader @AdrianRamsay warns of a divisive, inward-looking politics, calling instead for grassroots involvement, consensus and the broad public er environmental change.
@ZackPolanski’s response – that environmental justice cannot be separated from social, racial, and economic justice – sets out his political vision. But it leaves the immediate leadership question unanswered: how will Polanski address the divisions over the party’s Zionism motion and concerns about Jewish members’ inclusion?
Can the Greens champion Palestinian rights, reassure Jewish communities and build a wider electoral coalition? Mainstream Green Party members say a statement of values needs a convincing plan to put them into practice.
Speaking to #bbclaurak, former Green Party Leader @AdrianRamsay warns of a divisive, inward-looking politics, calling instead for grassroots involvement, consensus and the broad public er environmental change.
@ZackPolanski’s response – that environmental justice cannot be separated from social, racial, and economic justice – sets out his political vision. But it leaves the immediate leadership question unanswered: how will Polanski address the divisions over the party’s Zionism motion and concerns about Jewish members’ inclusion?
Can the Greens champion Palestinian rights, reassure Jewish communities and build a wider electoral coalition? Mainstream Green Party members say a statement of values needs a convincing plan to put them into practice.
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“Well, having got to the weekend, that's a result”, the Chancellor speaks to #bbclaurak for the first time since #Budget26.
Can @JohnHealey_MP deliver urgent defence investment, cut the benefits bill and give households “breathing space” without deeper pressure on public l the promises be funded – and when?
On defence, Healey says the investment plan is now fully funded, with £5bn directed towards the sector through the National Wealth Fund over four years. But the detailed route towards spending 3% of GDP in 2030 and 3.5% by 2035 waits until next year’s Spending Review. If the threat demands readiness within 1,000 days, does that timetable match the urgency?
On welfare, he repeatedly promises the overall benefits bill will fall – a much stronger claim than slowing its growth. Yet there is no quantified savings plan or timetable for delivering that reduction. Reform and legislation are promised next year.
On young people’s minimum wage, the commitment to ending age bands remains, but the delivery date is unclear as he weighs higher pay against employment opportunities.
His answer to pressure on public finances is efficiency, prevention, devolution, and difficult spending choices. The unanswered question is how much those changes can realistically save, how quickly, and which services face cuts if they fall short.
He also backs discussing an apology for slavery while rejecting reparations.
Can the government turn these commitments into credible, funded delivery – and show households when they will feel the benefit. With a critical spending review in 2027, how will Ministers react?
Can @JohnHealey_MP deliver urgent defence investment, cut the benefits bill and give households “breathing space” without deeper pressure on public l the promises be funded – and when?
On defence, Healey says the investment plan is now fully funded, with £5bn directed towards the sector through the National Wealth Fund over four years. But the detailed route towards spending 3% of GDP in 2030 and 3.5% by 2035 waits until next year’s Spending Review. If the threat demands readiness within 1,000 days, does that timetable match the urgency?
On welfare, he repeatedly promises the overall benefits bill will fall – a much stronger claim than slowing its growth. Yet there is no quantified savings plan or timetable for delivering that reduction. Reform and legislation are promised next year.
On young people’s minimum wage, the commitment to ending age bands remains, but the delivery date is unclear as he weighs higher pay against employment opportunities.
His answer to pressure on public finances is efficiency, prevention, devolution, and difficult spending choices. The unanswered question is how much those changes can realistically save, how quickly, and which services face cuts if they fall short.
He also backs discussing an apology for slavery while rejecting reparations.
Can the government turn these commitments into credible, funded delivery – and show households when they will feel the benefit. With a critical spending review in 2027, how will Ministers react?
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Reform vs Secret Cameras. Round Two!
Frightful October for Reform.
Elizabeth Baruah rounds up the month’s setbacks on Politics UK.
Frightful October for Reform.
Elizabeth Baruah rounds up the month’s setbacks on Politics UK.
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As the Prime Minister considers an apology for the UK’s role in slavery, will financial reparations follow?
@andyburnham has ruled them out. But an apology could intensify pressure for debt relief and financial support. Critics warn that acknowledgement may begin the debate, not end it.
@andyburnham has ruled them out. But an apology could intensify pressure for debt relief and financial support. Critics warn that acknowledgement may begin the debate, not end it.
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Chamber UK retweeted
Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE, Chair of Curia’s Health, Care and Life Sciences Research Group and former Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, has highlighted the opportunity and pushed for a clear plan for delivery:
@Andrew4Pendle
politicsuk.com/p/budget-2026-…
@Andrew4Pendle
politicsuk.com/p/budget-2026-…
Today’s Budget backs healthcare, AI, and UK innovation. Can it turn investment into better care, stronger businesses and growth across the UK?
UK Healthcare and Life Sciences Innovation (UKHLSI) and Curia members can download the full briefing👇
politicsuk.com/p/budget-2026-…
(Password has been emailed to members, for more information contact team@curiauk.com or enquiries@ukhlsi.co.uk.
#Budget2026 #Budget
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🇬🇧 The UK contributed one soldier to the January 2026 Greenland mission, alongside Danish, French, German, Dutch and Nordic troops.
Dr Peter Viggo Jakobsen argues that the crisis could still strengthen Arctic security by driving closer European defence cooperation.
Dr Peter Viggo Jakobsen argues that the crisis could still strengthen Arctic security by driving closer European defence cooperation.
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How do we open the NHS front door to UK innovation?
Lord @SyedKamall argues that AI, data, and quantum need clearer procurement and adoption pathways to reach patients.
Read his case for turning scientific strength into better care:
politicsuk.com/p/opening-the-…
Join @UKAIofficial conference: ukai.co/ai-event-calen…
This report was in part funded by @ClevelandClinic PhilanthropyUK
Lord @SyedKamall argues that AI, data, and quantum need clearer procurement and adoption pathways to reach patients.
Read his case for turning scientific strength into better care:
politicsuk.com/p/opening-the-…
Join @UKAIofficial conference: ukai.co/ai-event-calen…
This report was in part funded by @ClevelandClinic PhilanthropyUK
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John Healey's first Budget contained 98 separate measures, yet relatively modest changes to overall taxation and spending.
Is Labour pursuing economic transformation, or preparing the ground for an early election?
The Numbers Game examines the evidence.
Is Labour pursuing economic transformation, or preparing the ground for an early election?
The Numbers Game examines the evidence.
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David Davis says he predicted Brexit's 52–48 result in a conversation with George Osborne before the referendum.
But he didn't expect David Cameron to resign.
Over a glass of Bordeaux, the former Brexit Secretary tells Abbie Bennington what happened next.
J
But he didn't expect David Cameron to resign.
Over a glass of Bordeaux, the former Brexit Secretary tells Abbie Bennington what happened next.
J
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Will welfare cuts pay for higher defence spending?
Yesterday’s #Budget leaves that unanswered. The immediate £4.7bn gap is covered by capital budget cuts and reserves. Major welfare reforms and funding for the 2030 defence target await 2027 decisions. Will savings arrive in time?
Yesterday’s #Budget leaves that unanswered. The immediate £4.7bn gap is covered by capital budget cuts and reserves. Major welfare reforms and funding for the 2030 defence target await 2027 decisions. Will savings arrive in time?
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Today’s Budget backs healthcare, AI, and UK innovation. Can it turn investment into better care, stronger businesses and growth across the UK?
UK Healthcare and Life Sciences Innovation (UKHLSI) and Curia members can download the full briefing👇
politicsuk.com/p/budget-2026-…
(Password has been emailed to members, for more information contact team@curiauk.com or enquiries@ukhlsi.co.uk.
#Budget2026 #Budget
UK Healthcare and Life Sciences Innovation (UKHLSI) and Curia members can download the full briefing👇
politicsuk.com/p/budget-2026-…
(Password has been emailed to members, for more information contact team@curiauk.com or enquiries@ukhlsi.co.uk.
#Budget2026 #Budget
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