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Alex Thomas

@alexgathomas.bsky.social
5K followers 857 following 1.7K posts

Executive Director, Institute for Government. Ex-Cabinet Office, Defra, Dept of Health. Interested in all things good government

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Reposted by Alex Thomas
Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/09/2026
In conversation with Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party 📆Monday 5 October, 13:10–13:50 Heading to Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference? Join us to hear the party's Deputy Leader chat to @alexgathomas.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
In conversation with Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party  
Monday 5 October | 13:10–13:50
Speakers:

Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party

This event will be chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director at the Institute for Government.
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Stuart Hoddinott @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
NEW: Burnham made a strong case for adult social care reform at conference, but pushed the National Care Service into next parliament I argue he should get on with it, use his majority and 2024 mandate and establish the NCS in this parliament 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham should establish the National Care Service this parliament | Institute for Government
There is no reason to delay plans for potentially three years.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Here’s our instant reaction to the PM’s speech yesterday - have a listen ⬇️ With chatter (and dog - subject to editing) in the background. We recorded it in the bar of the Albert Dock Ibis - sitting next to the same two pint-drinking Liverpool residents who enjoyed/endured our chunterings last year
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/09/2026
PODCAST 🎙️ Burnham goes big: What difference does it make? @claire-ainsley.bsky.social @sophiestowers.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social in Liverpool to share their reaction to the PM's big conference speech www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
NEW IfG report out today on how government should approach reforming health and disability benefits The big takeaway: the system needs to better match people’s needs to the right support - through assessment reform, political leadership and more... www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Designing better incapacity benefits | Institute for Government
Personalising benefits and support is key to helping disabled people into work.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The assisted dying bill has been voted down by MPs at 2nd reading today. There are strong views on many sides but it also raises questions of whether PMBs are the right way to legislate on complex, ethical issues. We discussed this earlier this year www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/assist...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Are private members' bills a good way for MPs to decide on difficult policy issues? | Institute for Government
An expert panel drew on lessons from the recent assisted dying bill and other PMBs to consider how backbench MPs should approach complex issues.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A new national statistician - interesting (overdue) news Also perm sec Cat Little moves from the Cabinet Office/OPMC to Dept for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade And Tom Riordan becomes perm sec at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Govt
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Stuart Hoddinott @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
New comment: the abolition of NHS England is drifting, with key questions unanswered Burnham and Cooper have not articulated their vision for the NHS. That can't last. The Health Bill is coming back to the Commons, forcing them to decide More 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/yvet...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Will Yvette Cooper and Andy Burnham still abolish NHS England? | Institute for Government
Wes Streeting's Health Bill is on its way back to the Commons.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 04/09/2026
Today we are at the Reform UK Party Conference in Birmingham. Join us at 13:00 in the NEC when @alexgathomas.bsky.social will be in conversation with Danny Kruger, head of the Reform UK's unit for preparing the party for government www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-re...
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Over the top?
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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Some 🚨personal news🚨 After 11 brilliant years at IfG (time that on a personal level has included one cross-country move and the addition of one child) I've decided it's time for a new challenge! From 1 Sept I'm going freelance. If you'd like to work together, I'm on alice[at]aliceolilly[dot]com
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
If you have not listened to this amazing series then now would be a very good time to do it ⬇️ What a definition of a well-lived life
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
This is really thought provoking - one to read and reflect upon @carnegieendowment.org @hetanshah.bsky.social
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
August editors - sharpen up
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
All hail Bonnie Tyler and the people of Neath/Swansea/Cimla/Mumbles This took me straight back to family chats - and a reminder of the *incredible* number of stars from S Wales: Tyler, Jones (T&R), Burton, Secombe, Bassey, Zeta-Jones, Sheen, Thomas & more & more www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"My mam used to cut Gaynor's husband
Bobbie's hair and so he would let her into the nightclubs [which he managed] in the town without having to queue.
"She actually met my father in one of them, The Townsend, where Bonnie would regularly perform.
"My father is unwell so my mam is home looking after him and can't be here, so l wanted to come on behalf of us all to thank her.
"I've met her a few times - in Marks and Spencer and on a flight to Portugal."
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Biggest electoral news from the US in months (if it holds - New Hampshire & others might challenge) For all us Robert-Caro-reading-Trump-gerrymander-worrying-Orange-County-is-more-familiar-than-the-Home-Counties-Armerico-election-o’philes This will (might) matter www.nytimes.com/2026/08/15/u...
nytimes.com
Democrats Make South Carolina the First Contest in 2028 Presidential Primary Calendar
The party’s membership finalized the new order for the first six states to winnow the candidate field, pushing back Iowa and New Hampshire.
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Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
It's one of those days where it's fine not to say anything at all
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Alright, come on Majorca, let’s be having you
View of Majorca landscape, sun in background, eclipse glasses in foregroundPicture of sun through a dark lens
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Struck by the v personalised way the govt is being discussed: “Andy Burnham has decided…”, “AB promised…”, “what will AB do on…” Not new, but more pronounced given Burnham’s style and media approach? Risky when the going gets tough. He might want to lay more on “the govt” & indiv cabinet ministers
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Interesting - with contribution from @drbenpaxton.bsky.social
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Burnham’s devo announcements were important and - we think & hope - should improve UK govt But for the love of God let’s not confuse - legislation/direction to give powers to sub-national bodies - reallocation of tax and spend - a *written frigging constitution* www.ft.com/content/72e4...
ft.com
Burnham says devolution plan paves the way for a written UK constitution
Prime minister’s sweeping powers for local mayors could lead to ‘new principles’ for running England
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
There is an alternative
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
‘Twas I who wrote and sent the letter from Jeremy Heywood that told everyone to stop leaking, that was of course leaked, that became the subject of a leak inquiry www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-poli...
bbc.co.uk
Leak inquiry into leaking of letter warning about leaks
An investigation is under way into the leaking of a letter warning against leaks, No 10 says.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Civil service stats day! Christmas for the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team @jackworlidge.bsky.social gives us the headlines
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Here’s our piece wrapping up Andy Burnham’s government formation - six things we learned about BurnhamWorld by @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @philipnye.bsky.social @meganbryer.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/six-...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Six things we learned from Andy Burnham’s government formation | Institute for Government
What do Andy Burnham’s cabinet choices reveal about the priorities and direction of his new government?
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Cross-party talks are fine-and might be part of a process to sort out social care But Burnham can’t sidestep politics Deciding how to spend billions (or not), & who should win or lose, is the essence of politics From @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham can’t take the politics out of social care reform | Institute for Government
The new PM will have to prioritise to make progress on social care during this parliament
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Hannah White @drhannahwhite.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
This will be a great webinar with @jillongovt.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social and @tompope.bsky.social - do join us on Thursday and send in the questions you’d like the team to answer…
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Joshi Herrmann @joshih.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
I discussed it this week with a few people who know a lot more about how government works than me: @hannahkeenan.bsky.social, @akashpaun.bsky.social and @alexgathomas.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/rebe... @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
I implore you to read the not-so-small-print (Although this is still a sensible direction! It’s a good story without going all Elizabeth I)
While mayors will be given a share of income tax revenue to support job creation and local growth under Burnham's plans, they are not expected to receive new tax-raising powers.While the precise details of his plans remain unclear, one question will be whether there will be any "equalisation" measures to ensure that poorer regions are not punished by the policy.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Welcome and interesting in so many ways But… www.thetimes.com/article/5f0e...
thetimes.com
Andy Burnham will give mayors income tax cash for cities
The PM’s devolution agenda accompanies plans for defence, social care and jobs for the young
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Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Andy Burnham, 21, writes to The Guardian in defence of Philip Larkin
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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The new prime minister is about to run out of prison spaces. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. But once again, there are no easy answers and just cancelling early releases is not a solution. The focus must be on public protection - including better protection in the community. 🧵
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The government must focus on public protection when it comes to prison releases | Institute for Government
There are no easy answers to meeting the prison capacity challenge.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
LOADS of fascinating and useful content on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk website responding to Andy Burnham’s first week Rebecca conveniently sums it up here for your Friday evening reading pleasure
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
It's been a busy week in government, and at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk We've been keeping up with the key moves and announcements this week, so you don't have to Here's a round up of my top picks of analysis from my excellent colleagues 🧵
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
He wants to be adored – Burnham’s people-pleasing policy debut | Institute for Government
The Manchester Mill's Joshi Herrman joins the podcast team to explore Andy Burnham's first week as prime minister.
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Philip Nye @philipnye.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I’ve now made a full-government version of this Of the 92 MPs in Burnham’s government, 11 represent constituencies in Greater Manchester The north west has 16 in total, equalling the number from London and Yorkshire and the Humber
A small multiple of bar charts from the Institute for Government, showing the number of ministers by constituency region for the Starmer and Burnham governments in July 2026. The North West has the 16 ministers under Burnham, up from 10 under Starmer, and equalling the number in London and Yorkshire and the Humber
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Big news this week - Burnham announced a new Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In line with @instituteforgovernment.org.uk recommendations But as @alexgathomas.bsky.social says this needs to be more than a rebranding exercise if it's going to work - we'll be keeping an eye on developments!
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham is right to create an Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Institute for Government
Reforms to No10 and the Cabinet Office must be more than a rebranding exercise.
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Sam Macrory @sammacrory.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
🎧NEW: Fascinating insights from @joshih.bsky.social @manchestermill.bsky.social on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast with @akashpaun.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social exploring Andy Burnham’s first week as prime minister podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
podcasts.apple.com
He wants to be adored – Burnham’s people-pleasing policy debut
Podcast Episode · Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government · 24 July · 44min
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Come on prime minister - having adopted our recommendations for the centre of government, why not take on board @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social important points about aligning public services…
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 23/07/2026
Burnham is right to create an Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Adopting the IfG’s proposals to redesign the centre of government should enable the new prime minister to drive government more effectively, says @alexgathomas.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham is right to create an Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Institute for Government
Reforms to No10 and the Cabinet Office must be more than a rebranding exercise.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Keeping ministers in place - having signalled political change at cabinet level - is very sensible Good stuff @andyburnham.bsky.social for following our advice! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham’s first reshuffle should resist a sweeping change of junior ministers | Institute for Government
Beyond refreshing his Cabinet, keeping most ministers in their current roles is Burnham’s best chance of getting things done in government.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Some considered thoughts on the new Office of the PM & Cabinet here It’s v good news. But we’re worried the changes don’t yet go far enough. A spectral Cabinet Office will endure, leaving reform as a branding exercise not a new way of governing www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham is right to create an Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Institute for Government
Reforms to No10 and the Cabinet Office must be more than a rebranding exercise.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Major machinery of govt changes including - finally! - the creation of an Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet Long overdue and excellent news that the Burnham govt has grasped this nettle questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Interesting appointments here - Attorney General’s legal chops far more important than those of SofS Justice / Lord Ch. Reeves a lawyer and former Solicitor General - joint ministers - solve a problem in the short term, good luck making it work medium/long term - CST vital for next spending review
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I was sceptical about DSIT when Sunak created it - seemed destined to be an ephemeral department But I changed my mind and am sorry to see it go. Had established itself as a solid policy dept and was doing some good work. And machinery of govt changes are of course always a nightmare
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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
We have a new chief whip- Anneliese Midgley. In some ways unsurprising as an appointment- was a key figure in Burnham’s by-election and leadership campaign, and so will be seen by backbenchers as having the PM’s ear, which is important.…
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Distinctly ambiguous feelings about prime ministers hugging (No10 is now on BlueSky)
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Heloise Dunlop @hcdunlop.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
@jillongovt.bsky.social and I had a report ready to go but were pipped to the post by Burnham’s (predictable) decision to bring digital ID to an end. There were too many questions to answer and little that had been decided, making it an easier (and popular) decision than most will be for Burnham!
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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
We have our new PM. Alongside, we’ll get a whole host of new ministers. We’re expecting new leaders in most of the big public service departments: health, justice, local government, home office, & maybe education too. But what will this mean for services and all their ongoing reforms? 🧵
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 20/07/2026
Ahead of a busy week, be sure to follow our expert insight and analysis: For our analysis on what's in store for the new chancellor and the fiscal choices they face follow @tompope.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social & @martha-ford.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham needs a new fiscal strategy that deals with the tax lock | Institute for Government
Tough choices on tax and spend await the next prime minister.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Am with (I think?) @stephenkb.bsky.social No - it will be 60 years of “hurt” *next time*. We held the World Cup until 1970. If we like round numbers then it’s the next World Cup we should get over-excited about
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