Incisive commentary from the IfG’s expert team on issues facing government and key ministerial decisions.
From analysis of key political events such as budgets and party conferences to snap responses to unexpected developments such as government reshuffles, our writers set out their views and analyse what government gets right, what it gets wrong, and what it can do better.
Impermanent secretaries
As Nemat Shafik hands in her keys at the Department for International Development we reflect on Whitehall changes since the election.
A tale of two knights
Support for the two knights means Mancunians see little to gain from an elected mayor.
A tale of two Huttons
Does anyone realistically think that those in the FCO and MOD who are working on North Africa are working that bit harder?
Budget talk: An end to secrecy?
The Treasury's decision to pre-brief most of the good news in the Budget finally explodes the myth of the need for special rules for Budget making.
War Powers
Last night, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of military action in Libya.
How the most powerful mandarins spend their time
The 'external contact' chart from the Cabinet Office provides a fascinating insight into the different roles played by Cabinet secretary.
Japanese earthquake: tested to the limit
Japan has become the latest government to have their crisis management capability tested by extreme natural disaster.
Doncaster, not Leicester, calls the shots in Sheffield
Andrew Adonis is in Sheffield - the latest stop on his city mayors' tour.
What do ministers do?
There is no obvious link between what governments do and the number of ministers.
Shifting the blame
Bureaucrat bashing is, for many, an attractive and enjoyable blood sport.