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.
The vetting system needs to survive the Mandelson test
Political appointments require a different vetting process to officials.
The Mandelson vetting blame-game is causing serious damage to ministerial-civil service relations
The sacking of Olly Robbins has been badly handled by Keir Starmer.
The government still needs a coordinated story on its response to the Middle East war
Keir Starmer needs to seize the news agenda and communicate his response to the Iran crisis.
The “welfare versus defence” framing oversimplifies the difficult trade-offs
Lord Robertson is wrong to suggest welfare cuts alone can pay for defence.
The English devolution bill: small but important steps on public health
Mayors will get more responsibilities on health.
Rhaid i’r gwasanaeth sifil yng Nghymru fod yn barod ar gyfer newid sylweddol ar ôl etholiadau mis Mai
Mae’r posibilrwydd o lywodraeth newydd yn galw am ffyrdd mwy hyblyg o feddwl a gweithio
Dylai gweinidogion newydd yng Nghymru a’r Alban ar ôl etholiadau Mai ddysgu o gamgymeriadau Llafur yn 2024
Bydd angen i weinidogion newydd yng Nghaerdydd a Chaeredin fynd i’r afael â'r swydd yn gyflym.
New ministers in Wales and Scotland after May’s elections must learn from Labour’s 2024 mistakes
New ministers in Cardiff and Edinburgh will have to get up to speed quickly.
The civil service in Wales must be prepared for a major change after May’s elections
The possibility of a new government requires more flexible ways of thinking and working.
Antonia Romeo’s performance objectives are a welcome sign of leadership
The objectives include important signals on civil service reform.