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 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.
A senior political figure must run Burnham’s Number 10 North
A chief secretary to the PM or a deputy prime minister should run No.10 North.
Does Andy Burnham have a mandate?
Labour’s opponents are demanding that the next prime minister call an early general election.
No.10 North: Burnham needs to be clear-eyed about the purpose of his Manchester office
An overwhelmed 10 Downing Street could be improved by creating No.10 North.
Andy Burnham must sort out the centre of government on day one
A weak No.10 and ineffective Cabinet Office require urgent attention
Effective transitions of prime minister: lessons for Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham needs to be ruthless with his time and priorities in his preparations for power