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.
Geidt should stay – but only if Johnson strengthens the independent adviser’s role
Lord Geidt should stay on as independent adviser on ministerial interests in return for his role being seriously strengthened
It is not right to appoint a politician to lead the Civil Service Commission
The government has made a mistake by proposing a politician to lead the body that exists to oversee civil service impartiality
No.10’s Christmas party hangover is serious test of trust in government
The cabinet secretary’s inquiry into the Downing Street Christmas party row is flawed from the outset
Kate Bingham’s crisis method needs modifying for 'peacetime' government
Alex Thomas sets out how Kate Bingham's lessons from the pandemic should be applied when normal times return
Government is learning from HS2's failures – but needs to trust local leaders
Paul Shepley welcomes the government’s publication of an integrated rail plan
'VIP lane' shows urgent need for procurement reform
This week’s data releases on Covid contracts make uncomfortable reading for several senior Conservatives
The UK government has 12 key months to build on the COP26 deal
Jill Rutter says the UK now has a key role in building on the progress made at COP26
The government’s reforms to judicial review must respect the separation of powers
Any further reforms to the relationship between the courts and the executive should not neuter judicial review or undermine the separation of powers
Owen Paterson vote reinforces the need for truly independent standards regulators
Tim Durrant argues for more, not less, independence in how standards are upheld across public life
Where is Rishi Sunak’s plan for growing the economy?
Giles Wilkes warns that the chancellor’s ideological ambiguity may also reveal a lack of clear thinking on how to create economic growth