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.
Andy Burnham’s ID card surprise is very unsurprising
Keir Starmer’s digital ID plan was a lesson in how not to approach policy making.
Andy Burnham needs a new fiscal strategy that deals with the tax lock
Tough choices on tax and spend await the next prime minister.
Making press releases more political won’t improve how government communicates
A better approach to policy making is the best way to strengthen government communications.
Burnham will need to work hard to avoid his time being consumed by foreign affairs
The next prime minister should consider appointing a big hitter foreign secretary
Government must improve fraud prevention before the next crisis
Module five of the Covid inquiry shows the need for better procurement and use of data.
Andy Burnham can make his immediate mark on ethics in public life
The Ethics and Integrity Commission has provided Andy Burnham with a shopping list of options for improving integrity in public life.
Burnham’s first reshuffle should resist a sweeping change of junior ministers
Beyond refreshing his Cabinet, keeping most ministers in their current roles is Burnham’s best chance of getting things done in government.
Andy Burnham needs to fix a weakened Foreign Office
A Foreign Office in turmoil cannot deliver the prime minister’s foreign policy priorities.
Andy Burnham must act boldly, and early, to drive the regional growth agenda
The new prime minister has the opportunity accelerate the government’s devolution revolution.
Burnham should learn from Starmer’s successes and failures on public services
Keir Starmer squandered the opportunity to reform public services.