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.
Ministerial maternity leave should not mean appointing inexperienced replacements
When Rishi Sunak decides who will cover for Michelle Donelan, he should bear in mind who has relevant expertise and experience.
Steve Barclay should be wary of trying to directly manage the NHS
Ministers are once again going to try to manage the NHS, but Nicholas Timmins warns that this may not be a good development
Five things we’ve learned about the Brown Commission on the UK’s future
A team of IfG experts weigh up the key recommendations set out in the Gordon Brown's Commission on the UK's Future report.
Better use of data is needed for better energy support policies
The energy crisis has exposed the Treasury’s failure to use data to shape policy, a gap which needs fixing across government.
Pressure is growing on Sunak to properly reform standards
The prime minister needs to set out his plan for how he will tackle the issue that bedevilled his predecessor.
Migration policy is an early test for Rishi Sunak's competent government claims
Rishi Sunak is now under pressure to set out a serious response to the latest migration figures.
Rishi Sunak needs to sort out his government’s ministerial behaviour problem
A succession of unresolved allegations about poor ministerial behaviour shows that Rishi Sunak needs to sort things out.
Supreme Court's Scottish referendum verdict doesn't end Sunak’s need for a union strategy
Rishi Sunak needs a strategy to convince voters of the value of the union.
Labour’s proposals for a reformed House of Lords need more work
Labour will now need to think carefully about how to design and deliver such a major constitutional change
Three steps for government and local leaders to make England’s devolution deals work
The lessons the government should learn from the last wave of devolution to city-regions.