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Kiran Stacey

@kiranstacey.bsky.social
26K followers 397 following 363 posts

Policy Editor at the Guardian. Previously with the FT in London, Delhi, Washington.

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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
EXC: Ministers to cut funding for heat pump subsidies to help pay for higher defence spending. Will be part of a £2bn savings package which will also mean cuts to Carbon Capture and Storage and hydrogen projects. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Ministers preparing to slash heat pump subsidies to fund defence spending
Exclusive: Some of £2bn savings needed from energy budget expected to come from boiler upgrade scheme, sources say
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
EXC: John Healey plans over £1bn worth of support for poorer energy consumers in his budget. Comes after ministers became alarmed about forecasts showing a massive spike in prices in January. www.theguardian.com/money/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Chancellor plans major intervention to help poorer UK households with rising energy bills
Exclusive: Officials working on further radical changes that would change how much energy companies could charge customers
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
EXC: Tories plan cuts even greater than the £47bn already announced, says Tory shadow chancellor in a recording leaked to the Guardian. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Tories plan to extend cuts beyond £47bn previously pledged, leak reveals
Exclusive: Shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith told party members last year he had discussed making further savings if they win next election
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
EXC: Burnham to promise to set up a new state-backed electricity grid company. Massive move towards nationalisation of utilities.
x.com
Kiran Stacey (@kiranstacey) on X
EXC: Burnham to promise to set up a new state-backed electricity grid company. Massive move towards nationalisation of utilities. https://t.co/OOgU3BycYv
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
LIVE PODCAST ALERT: Tomorrow at 4.30 at Labour conference, come and see @pippacrerar.bsky.social and me grill the energy secretary @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social. We’ll be talking North Sea oil, climate change and energy bills. Come and watch in Tees room in the basement of the Lex.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The Jugaad Line
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Don’t abandon your promises on public control of water companies, warn Burnham allies, as details begin to emerge about the PM’s 10-year-plan. www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Don’t back down on pledge to put water firms under public control, Burnham told
Key allies of PM issue warning as details emerge of his plan to give mayors powers to oversee water companies
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Yes although it did find there was an uptick in ownership which would not have happened otherwise. So any upward pressure on prices was outweighed by the direct effects of the scheme.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
EXC: Gov review says Help to Buy was value for money, as ministers push for a new one. Sources say: 🏠 Steve Reed wanted to subsidise 1st time buyers 💷 HMT thought it a waste of money 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 New report boosts those in govt who want it - like the housing minister www.theguardian.com/money/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Help-to-buy scheme delivered ‘very high value for money,’ review finds
Exclusive: George Osborne’s programme to reduce costs for first-time buyers delivered £25bn in social value in UK last year
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
BREAKING: Massive Jackdaw gas field to be approved as soon as next Monday, sources say (as per @simonjackbbc.bsky.social). Ministers still waiting for an assessment for Rosebank, but are looking for ways to spend potential revenues from it on green projects. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Jackdaw gasfield set to be approved by ministers this month, sources say
Energy secretary could recommend new North Sea drilling next week, as ministers also consider approval for Rosebank oilfield
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Did they do their usual series of Smiths covers?
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Longer than some (🥬)
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
He's had the honeymoon period, now get ready for Andy Burnham's Autumn Of Pain™️. Listen to me and @peterwalker99.bsky.social discuss: 💶 Which taxes might rise? ❓ Where is Nigel Farage? 🟢 What is best policy being debated at Green conference? www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham’s autumn of pain– podcast
Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker look at the unpopular choices facing Andy Burnham
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Reposted by Kiran Stacey
Jules Birch @julesbirch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Switching the entire SAHP to social rent was always unrealistic given how far advanced work on this round of allocations was. And not possible without a) more money or b) accepting fewer new affordable homes overall www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Burnham backtracks on spending housing fund only on building social homes
About 40% of £10bn from Affordable Homes Programme will now go on types of housing such as sheltered and shared ownership
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I don’t know why you’re picking over the policies of one of the two parties most likely to form the next government, says person who probably won’t be affected by them.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Ha, indeed. Amazing what a pair of eyelashes can do.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
This is a horrendous story
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I had exactly the same thought reading that.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Yes those people will be exempted as you suggest.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Full podcast here: www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
‘I worry about our daughters’: Bridget Phillipson on online misogyny – podcast
Labour’s Bridget Phillipson talks to Kiran Stacey about the ‘cesspit’ of social media, the climate crisis, how Burnham is different to Starmer, and whether her party can beat Reform
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
“I worry that we are at kind of a ground zero in terms of attitudes around violence against women and girls.... and I think we see that in terms of attitudes around racism.”
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
EXC: Equalities minister warns racism and sexism have become normalised in Britain, and calls out opposition politicians for making openly racist statements. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Racism and sexism have become normalised in Britain, says equalities minister
Exclusive: Bridget Phillipson says politicians have helped fuel hatred and that police are not taking violence against women and girls seriously enough
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
NEW: Ministers have dropped plans to loosen affordable housebuilding rules on certain sites after they triggered a major backlash from experts: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Ministers drop plan to relax affordable housing rules after rural homes backlash
Government concedes ‘significant opposition’ requires new approach on quotas for medium-sized development sites
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Richard Tice, Reform’s deputy leader, on the recent heatwaves: “Climate change has always happened and always will. Maybe the smarter thing to do is to adapt to it rather than think arrogantly that you can stop it. “When it’s a bit warm let’s enjoy it.”
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Absolutely incredible story by @peteapps.bsky.social and @robert-booth.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Lobbying giant filmed offering reporter payment for flattering client coverage in national press
Exclusive: Guardian investigation of CT Group uncovers practice that appears to seek hidden influence over public opinion
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Erm chancellor, not PM. Obviously.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Oh god
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I've rarely seen a stranger sight than John Healey working from a desk roped to the inside of a military aeroplane. That diligence in office is one reason Andy Burnham made him PM. But is he the fiscal hawk some suggest? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Fiscal hawk or big spender – what kind of chancellor will John Healey be?
Diligent, popular, unexpected pick for the Treasury has been given a straitjacket – and the job of funding PM’s policy promises
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
🚨New podcast out tonight with me and @pippacrerar.bsky.social, covering: 📝 What Burnham told reporters in the No 10 rose garden 💷 Why Healey as chancellor might mean more borrowing - for defence at least 👨‍🍳What Starmer might do next (clue in the emoji) www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
Can Andy Burnham’s cabinet fix Britain? – podcast
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how the UK’s new prime minister will try to do things differently and who will be helping him in the cabinet
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Here is the full table for reference:
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
And, from 2017, when Burnham became mayor, Greater Manchester is the *only* mayoral authority to have overseen a reduction in rough sleeping. The rate has gone down 30% in the region in that time, compared with rises everywhere else. Including *152%* in South Yorkshire.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
In the last five years, rough sleeping everywhere has gone up, but in Manchester the rise has been lower than most other places. Here is the percentage rise from 2020-2025: London: 74% West Mids: 245% East Mids: 80% *Greater Manchester*: 50% South Yorks: 43% Liverpool: 413%
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
But we (me and the brilliant Lucy Swan) have been going through the data and comparing mayoral areas with each other, and it tells a slightly different story.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Much has been made of this chart from @joshih.bsky.social showing rough sleeping went down in Greater Manchester after Burnham became mayor for a few years - but has then gone up every year for the last four.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Andy Burnham made ending rough sleeping his first pledge as PM. He made the same pledge in 2017 when running for the Greater Manchester mayoralty. So how did he do? A 🧵(apologies)
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
NEW: As Andy Burnham finalises his plans for govt, his plans to scrap the technology dept entirely are causing significant upset among investors, tech experts and some in Whitehall. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham’s plan to scrap technology department triggers backlash
MPs and industry experts say potential reorganisation will waste time at critical moment for AI and economic growth
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
These are just plans at the moment but they are getting big pushback from the tech industry already.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🚨 Earlier today, the FT reported speculation about the future of the science and technology dept. I’m told Burnham’s team has drawn up plans to scrap it altogether, with part going to DBT and part to DCMS. Antonia Romeo wd oversee rolling out AI in the public service.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
EXC Alison Phillips, former Mirror editor, will join Burnham’s No 10 as Director of Transition. But in many other ways, the new No 10 will look a lot like the old one as the new PM looks to provide some stability. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘Continuity Keir’: Burnham keeping on many of Starmer’s No 10 advisers
Lack of change in key roles could mean next week’s policy announcements may lack radicalism many hoped for
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Miliband vs Mahmood - has Burnham finally decided? And how are we supposed to know, in a world where lots of people claim to speak for the new PM, but few do? Listen to mine and @pippacrerar.bsky.social's analysis here: www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
Mahmood v Miliband: who will Burnham choose for chancellor? – podcast
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss who the next chancellor could be and why there is so much speculation around it
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Best thing you’ll read today: @daniel-boffey.bsky.social charts Andy Burnham’s early life and political career. Including a wonderful anecdote about the first election he ever won, which was overshadowed by doubts about legitimacy. www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
theguardian.com
From Cambridge ‘imposter’ to New Labour star: Andy Burnham’s winding path to power
In the first of a two-part profile, Daniel Boffey traces the incoming PM’s early forays into politics and his rise to prominence – ultimately leading to him leaving London for Manchester
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
What has Lindsay Hoyle told Reform MPs about their safety? Listen to me and @pippacrerar.bsky.social break it down. Plus: ✊ Keir Starmer finds his inner radical 🗳️ Does Burnham want to change the elections bill? 🇮🇷 The latest on Iran sanctions www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
Reform UK triggers row over MPs’ safety – podcast
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the row that has erupted in Westminster over MPs’ safety after the death of Ann Widdecombe
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Have sent it to you
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
EXC Big trade union urges Labour MPs not to vote for a donations cap next week. Labour whips also whipping against the move, warning it could damage union funding of the Labour Party. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
GMB warns Labour MPs that cap on political donations could endanger party funding
Exclusive: Sources say Labour whips are calling MPs urging them to heed union’s warning and not vote for cap
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
EXC Ministers are working on plans to set legally-binding debt limits for water companies. Could be a first step towards much greater state control, as promised by Andy Burnham. www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Ministers plan legally binding debt targets for England’s water companies
Exclusive: Move comes as allies of Andy Burnham work on proposals to take water companies into public control
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
BREAKING: Burnham signals shift on Labour's Gaza stance. Very interesting story by @pippacrerar.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza
Exclusive: PM-in-waiting says party must ‘do better’ in approach to Middle East and he will put more pressure on Israel
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Surely they're not worried are they? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Reform activists urged to switch focus from Manchester to Farage’s Clacton contest
Exclusive: Party hoped to mount serious challenge in mayoral race but attention has been diverted to Essex
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
As Westminster digests the news of a Farage by-election, catch up with @pippacrerar.bsky.social and me discussing the latest Reform revelations on yesterday's Politics Weekly: www.theguardian.com/politics/vid...
theguardian.com
Who is George Cottrell, the mystery donor who has potentially landed Nigel Farage in hot water?
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has said he is the victim of an “establishment hit job”.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
It turns out spending money on energy, transport, petty much any other sector, boosts British employment more than defence.
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Kiran Stacey @kiranstacey.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
EXC Taking money from other departments to fund the Defence Investment Plan will end up *costing* the UK 10,000 jobs, according to a new analysis of govt figures. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Infrastructure cuts to pay for defence will cost UK 10,000 jobs, analysis shows
Exclusive: Findings cast doubt on Starmer claims that reallocation of funds to MoD will boost British jobs
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