akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 29/06/2026What did we learn from @andyburnham.bsky.social 's big devolution speech in Manchester today? See my insta-take on BBC News below (with apologies for the messy domestic backdrop!) www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GV5...youtube.comAndy Burnham speech - Akash Paun, BBC NewsYouTube video by Institute for Government 043
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialTim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Within a few weeks we'll have our next prime minister - don't know if you've heard, but he's been mayor of Manchester for the last few years. @tompope.bsky.social, @akashpaun.bsky.social and I have had a look for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk at the differences between the two roles:instituteforgovernment.org.ukFrom mayor to prime minister | Institute for GovernmentDoes Andy Burnham’s experience as a regional mayor prepare him for No.10? 21010
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 26/06/2026WEBINAR | Andy Burnham: What to expect from the next PM? 📅 Tuesday 30 June, 13:15–14:00 Join us to hear @samfr.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @drhannahwhite.bsky.social explore Andy Burnham’s preparations for No.10 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/andy-b... 023
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialHannah White @drhannahwhite.bsky.social · 29/06/2026Just how useful is having been a mayor for taking on the role of PM? Great new paper from @timdurrant.bsky.social @tompope.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...instituteforgovernment.org.ukFrom mayor to prime minister | Institute for GovernmentDoes Andy Burnham’s experience as a regional mayor prepare him for No.10? 223
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 08/05/2026With vote counting still underway, join us live at 16:00 as we explore the implications of the results, who won, who lost and what next. With @matthewfright.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/local-... 015
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 20/03/2026The cancellation then reinstatement of this year’s local elections in 30 council areas highlights that ministers have too much power over local democracy. This should change, argue @akashpaun.bsky.social and @matthewfright.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mini...instituteforgovernment.org.ukMinisters should lose their sweeping powers to delay local elections | Institute for GovernmentThe back-and-forth over election timings has been bad for central and local government alike. 01111
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 16/03/2026NHS leaders and Wes Streeting should be alarmed by this. These figures point to a genuine collapse in NHS staff morale pretty much across the country - though with interesting variation too. E.g. what explains the v different figures in Norfolk and Suffolk? 063
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 04/03/2026As part of our series with devolved party leaders, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is pleased to be hosting Reform UK leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord, for an online-only conversation on Monday 16/3. Sign up: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/lord-m... And let me know what I should ask him! 614
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 02/03/2026I really enjoyed chairing this afternoon's event, with Plaid Cymru leader @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social, on his plans for government Do watch back at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXM-...youtube.comIn conversation with Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid CymruYouTube video by Institute for Government 078
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 24/02/2026How can mayors use investment powers to boost regional economies? Our DevoLab#2 report, by @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social and @akashpaun.bsky.social explores the tools available, what’s working, and what needs to change: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...instituteforgovernment.org.ukLearning from the DevoLab #2: How mayors can secure investment into regional economies | Institute for GovernmentThree case studies of how devolved powers and mayoral influence have been used to secure investment into regional economies. 002
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 10/02/2026At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk we're very excited to be working with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social on a new event series on local government reorganisation. The first, on 26/2, asks how ministers should decide on the shape and size of new unitary authorities. Sign up to join in person or online 👇 142
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialHannah Keenan @hannahkeenan.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Tim Allan only joined No10 in September last year as part of the most recent (very turbulent) 'reset'... 11610
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 09/02/2026What tools do metro mayors have to drive regeneration, and how do mayoral development corporations fit in? Our explainer sets out what MDCs are, the powers they hold, and where they’re being used. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ma...instituteforgovernment.org.ukMayoral development corporations | Institute for GovernmentWhat are mayoral development corporations and which mayors are using them? 012
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 04/02/2026EVENT | Ahead of the seventh election to Senedd Cymru, join us on Monday 2 March for an in conversation with @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social. The Leader of Plaid Cymru will discuss his plan for government and Plaid Cymru’s vision for the future of Wales www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/rhun-a... 022
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialJill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 02/02/2026The next set of mayoral elections will be more like a lottery as voters will have to guess who will make it into the Top Two and who they want/want to stop to be mayor. Lets have proper preferential voting now. 1368
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 30/01/2026This is a well worth a read, though with respect to @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social, yes 30 January is far too late! (Maybe you meant Chinese New Year?) 140
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 30/01/2026Very exciting to see the latest publication in the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk #DevoLab series - spotlighting how devolution is enabling improvements in transport connectivity in Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region & West Yorkshire. Many thanks to our partners Arup for their support. 🧵👇 000
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 30/01/2026I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Wallace. Jim was a lovely man who welcomed me to his home in Orkney, and with whom I drank too much whisky several times, while putting the world to rights. Jim's wise reflections on being a minister: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...instituteforgovernment.org.ukLord Wallace | Institute for GovernmentLord Wallace reflects on his experience in the UK coalition government and how it compared to his time in the Scottish government. 1134
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/01/2026NEW | How devolution can improve transport connectivity Our latest DevoLab briefing sets out three case studies showing how mayoral strategic authorities are ideally placed to help tackle England’s transport challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...instituteforgovernment.org.ukLearning from the DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity | Institute for GovernmentThree case studies of how devolved powers and mayoral influence have been used to improve transport connectivity. 144
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialMegan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 29/01/20267/ For more analysis of the upcoming local, Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections, see our new elections hub: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/local-devolved-elections-2026 And follow our devolution team: @akashpaun.bsky.social @matthewfright.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.socialinstituteforgovernment.org.ukLocal and devolved elections 2026 | Institute for GovernmentOn Thursday 7 May, voters across Scotland, Wales and England head to the polls in a major set of local and devolved elections. 001
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 12/01/2026Elections 2026: How could votes in England, Scotland and Wales reshape British politics? The afternoon will crack on with a preview of the issues at stake in the hugely significant elections taking place across the UK in May 2026 @luketryl.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social 112
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialDr Adam Evans @a-b-evans.bsky.social · 13/12/2025For those following the development of English mayoral #devolution, this is an interesting read from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s Mr Devolution @akashpaun.bsky.social on the recently announced postponement of mayoral elections in priority areas & the case for limiting any such delay to 2027instituteforgovernment.org.ukMayoral elections in priority areas should be held in May 2027 at the very latest | Institute for GovernmentThe government has not made a convincing case for postponement. 041
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialHarriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 05/12/2025The decision to delay mayoral elections reflects poorly on the government, and is a disappointing step back in a policy area in which they had previously been making real progress. More from @akashpaun.bsky.social, @matthewfright.bsky.social, @meganisaac.bsky.social and me, below 👇 042
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 11/12/2025Report | Learning from the DevoLab #1: How devolution can address health inequalities This policy briefing presents three short case studies of how devolved powers have been used to address health inequalities. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...instituteforgovernment.org.ukLearning from the DevoLab #1: How devolution can address health inequalities | Institute for GovernmentThree case studies of how devolved powers have been used to address health inequalities. 247
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialCath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 10/12/2025Great new piece from @akashpaun.bsky.social on the decision to delay next year’s mayoral elections. “even on the government's own terms… then the case for shifting these polls to 2027 is far stronger than delaying them until 2028” www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...instituteforgovernment.org.ukMayoral elections in priority areas should be held in May 2027 at the very latest | Institute for GovernmentThe government has not made a convincing case for postponement. 078
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialDawn Butler MP @dawnbutlerbrent.bsky.social · 19/09/2025On Monday I was honoured to host the launch of the @londonassembly.bsky.social new report on devolution, Trusting London to Deliver. A valuable discussion about how we strengthen our city and ensure Londoners’ voices are heard. @bassammahfouz.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social 082
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 29/09/2025At #Lab25? Our programme director @akashpaun.bsky.social is chatting with Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council @lpoolcityregion.bsky.social, about devolution and economic growth. 🗓 Join us in Meeting Room 11A in the ACC. 022
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialCath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 05/09/2025Our event at Reform U.K. starting with @akashpaun.bsky.social talking about the “messy” system of local government currently in the U.K. 14 mayors covering about 50% of U.K. the two or three tiers of loval govt made more confusing by other functions that don’t match to political boundaries. 2146
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialNick Davies @njdavies.bsky.social · 11/06/2025This is the first time I can remember that the tone of my quote has matched my beaming/smug photo 0426
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 11/06/2025Aso published: More detail on how the integrated settlements and associated accountability frameworks will work. I would *love* to see the tracked changes version of this paragraph. One can only imagine the back and forth between HMT and MHCLG (and the MCAs themselves?) 000
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 11/06/2025Ah this is interesting devo news. London will get an integrated settlement after all from next year. It'll be interesting to see how the model differs in London compared to the combined authorities, and whether it'll require constitutional change in the GLA-Council relationship to make it work 12011
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 11/06/2025Odd reference by the Chancellor to benefiting children "from Swansea to Bridgend" in reference to the expansion of free school meals (in England only, surely?). Paging @thatsdevolved.bsky.social 010
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialThomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 11/06/2025Reeves has been talking for over half an hour and almost all her announcements are about new investment spending (where the envelope is quite generous). There will be fewer good news stories on day-to-day spending where the envelope is much tighter (or this will be a very long speech) 12113
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 16/05/2025Work with us! Applications are open for our role as Finance Manager. You'll be an integral part of our operations team. Closing date: Monday 19 May at 09:00 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car... 034
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 15/05/2025Next Wednesday, 9.30am, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is hosting Jorrit de Jong, Director of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard to discuss Effective urban leadership: What are the international lessons for England’s mayors? Sign up here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/effect...instituteforgovernment.org.ukEffective urban leadership: What are the international lessons for England’s mayors? | Institute for GovernmentJoin us to discuss what lessons England’s growing cohort of mayors can learn from other countries. 025
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialRebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 14/05/2025We've got an excellent event with Prof Jorrit de Jong from Bloomberg Centre for Cities at Harvard and our devolution lead @akashpaun.bsky.social They'll be discussing the key characteristics needed for effective mayoral leadership and providing insights from international examples! Sign up below👇 122
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 07/05/2025What are the prospects for the government's promised reset of relations with the European Union? Read our explainer on Labour's objectives, what the EU wants and how negotiations are being organised www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/uk...instituteforgovernment.org.ukUK–EU reset | Institute for GovernmentWhat are the prospects for the government's promised reset of relations with the European Union? 022
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 07/05/2025Join us online at 12 today for the IFG expert briefing on the implications of last week's local and mayoral election results for the government and its policy agenda! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/2025-m...instituteforgovernment.org.ukWhat do the 2025 mayoral and local election results mean for Keir Starmer’s government? | Institute for GovernmentJoin our IfG expert briefing as we discuss the impact of the mayoral and local elections on British politics and the government’s devolution plans. 002
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/05/2025PODCAST 🎙️ Local elections: Ready for Reform? ICYMI @cathhaddon.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social discuss what the local and mayoral elections mean for Keir Starmer and his government's devolution agenda www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...instituteforgovernment.org.ukLocal elections: Ready for Reform? | Institute for GovernmentThe IfG team discuss what the local and mayoral elections mean for Keir Starmer and his government's devolution agenda. 023
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialSarah Routley @sarahroutley.bsky.social · 07/04/2025In a new comment for @instituteforgov.bsky.social I take a look at councils' interim plans for local government reorganisation. They reveal deep disagreements in many places and a need for strong local leadership. Read more here 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/coun...instituteforgovernment.org.ukCouncils’ divisions over local government reorganisation show need for local leadership | Institute for GovernmentLocal government reorganisation has revealed deep disagreements in many places across England. 155
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 04/04/2025Meet the IfG interns! Watch as our current interns reflect on their time at the IfG so far, what has surprised them the most and why they applied 📺 youtu.be/fqCU3xhtP0Y Applications for our 2025-26 research internships are now open - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car... 002
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialJennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social · 02/04/2025Excl: Ministers to serve best value notice on Ben Houchen’s Tees Valley Combined Authority due to continued governance concerns on.ft.com/3G2Ht3Eon.ft.comEnglish authority led by Ben Houchen told to improve use of public money[FREE TO READ] Tees Valley Combined Authority is responsible for Teesworks regeneration scheme 57332
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/04/2025TODAY | A keynote speech by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester Join this event at 13.30 to hear @andyburnham.bsky.social talk about the GMCA's plans to use its expanding devolved powers to drive economic growth Register👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/keynot... 0146
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialJill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 01/04/2025if you are interested in government, this is the best internship going... apply or RT 23229
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/04/2025And if you want to know more what life as an IfG intern is really like, watch as our current interns discuss their experience and share their advice for applying youtu.be/fqCU3xhtP0Y 125
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 01/04/2025Agreed - a big milestone, with significantly expanded scope for reallocating funds. In April 2026 it gets even more interesting, with four more regions joining the club, and all six set for 3-year settlements 053
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 01/04/2025Tomorrow at @instituteforgov.bsky.social we're hosting GM Mayor @andyburnham.bsky.social for a keynote speech. The mayor will be setting out his vision for the future of Greater Manchester and making the case for further devolution. Sign up at: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/keynot... 042
akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 01/04/2025Great thread on all the mayoral candidates next month from my colleague @sarahroutley.bsky.social 👇 011
Reposted by @akashpaun.bsky.socialInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/04/2025Interested in making government more effective? Applications for our 2025–26 research internship programme, starting in September 2025, are now open. Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰ Find out more: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car... 11633
