Sign in

Andy Westwood

@andywestwood.bsky.social
5.4K followers 1.7K following 829 posts

Professor of Public Policy at University of Manchester. Soon to be Birmingham.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Jo Wolff @jowolff.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
That’s a formal warning. If he does it again he’ll start to lose marks for the course.
108314
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Funding Local Democracy reporters/reporting though the BBC licence fee is a very good thing indeed. www.thetimes.co.uk/article/69ad...
thetimes.co.uk
Reform blacklisted me for doing my job as a local reporter
Eddie Bisknell, a local democracy reporter for Reform-led Derbyshire county council was told it would no longer engage with him after “concerns” over coverage
021
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Chris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Bucks New University student visa sponsor licence suspended www.timeshighereducation.com/news/bucks-n... via @julietterowsell.bsky.social
timeshighereducation.com
Bucks New University student visa sponsor licence suspended
Bucks New University has been suspended from issuing student visas, the Home Office has announced
102
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Also good.
001
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Stephen Evans @stephenevans.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Good news & something we've long argued for. 1 in 4 NEETs receives incapacity benefits. Hopefully some access will also be opened to young people not on benefits (the other 50% of NEETs) who've been NEET for some time, when referred by a trusted body like a local authority.
feweek.co.uk
Jobs guarantee scheme to be expanded to disabled young people
Labour expects ‘thousands’ on health benefits to take up subsidised jobs
175
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Good - always had lots of evidence supporting their impact (+ support from both several Labour and Conservative skills ministers).
000
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I agree with @tommctague.bsky.social - party conferences should return to places like Scarborough and Blackpool. It would do the places (and the various attendees) some good. magazine.newstatesman.com/2026/09/23/i...
magazine.newstatesman.com
Is this the same Andy Burnham I met in 2010?
Even then, he understood the power of local politics and place
2102
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The Pieman Cometh, Manchester Road, Accrington, painting by John L. Chapman (b. 1946).
1326041
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Been in Blackburn this week with Skills England and went to see Launchpad (partnership between Blackburn College, Newground Together & B&D Council) aimed at supporting NEETs back into education and jobs). Really impressive and could/should be replicated elsewhere. blackburn.ac.uk/launchpad
blackburn.ac.uk
Launchpad
001
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I’d probably have a little bit more sympathy for the good folk of Piddington if there weren’t two sizeable prisons (one of which is ‘open’) as well as the extensive military site(s) nearby. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Piddington in Oxfordshire votes to leave UK over asylum plans
Piddington residents vote over proposals to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers nearby.
020
Reposted by Andy Westwood
John Burn-Murdoch @jburnmurdoch.ft.com · 08/09/2026
2) England is a rare exception. During the 2010s many other countries (including the other 3 UK nations) changed tack, experimenting with ideas like transferrable skills instead of focusing on tried-and-tested disciplines and methods. It looks like those experiments have failed.
1426362
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Stephen Evans @stephenevans.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Really looking forward to our launch event on this tomorrow. Great panel including @andywestwood.bsky.social & other not on Bluesky (I think) panellists. Thread on this to come…
112
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
He may have been thrown under the bus by Farage, but this from @helenwarrell.bsky.social is still essential reading. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... James Orr and the gospel of the new British right
giftarticle.ft.com
James Orr and the gospel of the new British right
Reform’s policy head is a Cambridge theologian with an enviable contact book and a belief in ‘faith, family and flag’
1168
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Definitely going to check this out (I’ve seen the other one).
020
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Back to work then.
010
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Think he should probably spend it on infrastructure & public services tbh
110
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
From someone who really knows how to kill a high street. www.ft.com/content/1123...
ft.com
Andy Burnham’s high street plan is ‘delusional’, says Mike Ashley
Billionaire behind Frasers Group slams prime minister’s business rates reform and crackdown on discounting
160
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
If, like William Hague, you’re worried about accountability and scrutiny of mayors as English devolution ramps up, here’s a primer from @michaelkenny.bsky.social @jacknewman.bsky.social @samwarner.bsky.social & me from 2024 for @productivity.bsky.social: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/publications...
bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
Rebuilding local democracy: the accountability challenge in English devolution - Bennett School of Public Policy
How can political accountability be improved in English devolution? Jack Newman, Sam Warner, Michael Kenny and Andy Westwood offer four recommendations in their new working paper.
021
Reposted by Andy Westwood
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
🚨 NEW: London continues to pull ahead of other regions in top grades. Our analysis of today’s Level 3 results shows that 32.7% of pupils in the capital received grades at A or above, up from 31.9% last year. This is the largest increase of any region, with the London gap continuing to widen 🧵
135
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Lots here that comes from Andy Burnham’s ‘Good Employment Charter’ launched in GM in 2019 ie a bit more from the ‘Manchesterism’ locker…
140
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Top Oxfam find of the summer. Though as the woman at the counter politely asked ‘will anyone want to play it with you?’
3171
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
But will it offer EBacc or a HogsBacc? www.watfordobserver.co.uk/leisure/2643...
watfordobserver.co.uk
Warner Bros wins permission to further expand real-life school for Harry Potter stars
The real-life Hogwarts teaching child stars of HBO’s Harry Potter TV show in Leavesden is set to expand after planning approval.
020
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 04/08/2026
How to end the cycle of mistrust between the Treasury and everybody else ft.trib.al/KvmNepY | opinion
ft.trib.al
How to end the cycle of mistrust between the Treasury and everybody else
The lesson from Manchester is that it takes time for public investment policies to show up in GDP
31811
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Saw Wham in China this week - a terrific film. Basically another version of The Odyssey (but with good tunes and bigger hair).
010
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Significant new report from @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social & colleagues makes the case that the UK has a mismatch between highly centralised institutions of spending control and increasingly fragmented systems of public service delivery (more so if devolution) www.nuffieldfoundation.org/news/opinion...
nuffieldfoundation.org
The myth of Treasury control: What’s wrong with the UK’s public spending system and how to fix it - Nuffield Foundation
The long-standing model of centralised Treasury control over public spending has inadequately adapted to the realities of public service delivery.
34819
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Brilliant stuff from @pollymackenzie.bsky.social And surely a mission for our times?
160
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Steffen Rayburn-Maarup @rayburnmaarup.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
I don't think people are ready for this kind of joke yet.
A town sign seen through a train window.
209109792166
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
After all the ongoing controversy following last week’s 14-16 reforms I thought I’d go back to 23/24 when Andy Burnham launched his MBacc. The announcements /documents are here: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/news/andy-bu...
greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
Home
Andy Burnham unveils Greater Manchester Baccalaureate plan to boost growth
111
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Congratulations to @bevcraig.bsky.social becoming GM Mayor - now a rather bigger job (after Friday’s announcements) than the one @andyburnham.bsky.social did! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Labour's Bev Craig elected new mayor of Greater Manchester
Labour's Bev Craig secures nearly double the number of votes won by Reform UK's Sian Astley.
062
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Alex Partridge @alexpartridge87.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Budget on 28th October, says John Healey on his socials
142
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Ceuta. At various points in last couple of centuries Spain has suggested swapping it for Gibraltar (just to give UK media a new angle…) en.mercopress.com/2010/02/01/w...
en.mercopress.com
When Gibraltar was to be swapped for Spanish Ceuta
Just under 100 years ago and as the world was still embroiled in the horrors of WWI, Great Britain was considering a deal with Spain and France that would allow it to swap Gibraltar for Ceuta (Spanish...
020
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
‘We will support mayors to foster local innovation ecosystems, devolving a substantially increased share of later-stage innovation funding to local leaders so they can back opportunities with the greatest potential for local growth.’ assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a6c7a...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
122
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Jim Dickinson @jimdickinson.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: In some residential areas, universities’ civic agendas can ring hollow. Kate Seymour presents a collaborative project which aimed to co-create hope in Fallowfield buff.ly/s50qHPp
011
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Fiscal devolution, transport, housing, planning, 16-19 skills, employment support… and an autumn white paper. These are very big changes to English government/governance. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
PM hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode
The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and publi...
3178
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 31/07/2026
Burnham to give mayors share of income tax from 2028 ft.trib.al/67AlPOb
ft.trib.al
Burnham to give mayors share of income tax from 2028
New prime minister accelerates former chancellor Rachel Reeves’ efforts to move power away from Westminster
2196
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Given Burnham’s education reforms today - worth revisiting this on future of his MBacc (from earlier this year). Now need to build a vocational system at Levels 3, 4 & 5 that takes more young people and adults into growing sectors/jobs across England. www.productivity.ac.uk/news/now-is-...
productivity.ac.uk
Now is the right time for a Greater Manchester Baccalaureate - The Productivity Institute
What does the ending of the English Baccalaureate mean for the so-called Manchester Baccalaureate?
4145
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
RIP Bill Oddie.
static.klipy.com
The Goodies: Kitten Kong in London
ALT: The Goodies: Kitten Kong in London
050
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Let’s close something big and significant in the North - sure no one in government or media will notice that…
110
Reposted by Andy Westwood
BJPIR @bjpir.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
📝 Don't miss one of our most cited #openaccess #BJPIR articles! '‘Hyper-active incrementalism’ and the Westminster system of governance: Why spatial policy has failed over time' by Patrick Diamond, Jack Newman, David Richards, @annasanders.bsky.social & @andywestwood.bsky.social 🔗
buff.ly
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
002
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Noddy Holder.
051
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Couldn’t get a ticket to see the Bayeux Tapestry? Come and see where the English surrendered to the Normans in 1066. It’s free and there’s nobody here.
171
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Over a dozen ministers retain their previous roles - including Stephen Timms on welfare, Sarah Sackman KC MP at Justice, Sarah Jones in the Home Office, Georgia Gould and Baroness [Jacqui] Smith at education, Luke Pollard and Vernon Coaker at Defence. www.gov.uk/government/n...
Rt Hon Matthew Pennycook MP will remain as Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. He will attend Cabinet.
Stephen Doughty MP will remain as Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Sarah Jones MP will remain as Minister of State in the Home Office
Rt Hon Lord Hanson of Flint will remain as Minister of State in the Home Office
Sarah Sackman KC MP will remain as Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice
Luke Pollard MP will remain as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence
Lord Coaker will remain as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence
Michael Shanks MP will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Georgia Gould OBE MP will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Education
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions
Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education
Baroness Sherlock OBE will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions
Karin Smyth MP will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE will remain as Minister of State in the Department for Transport
Rt Hon Lord Kennedy of Southwark will remain as Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentleman at Arms (Lords Chief Whip)
Rt Hon Sir Mark Tami MP will remain as Treasurer of His Majesty’s Household (Deputy Chief Whip)
Gen Kitchen MP will remain as Comptroller of HM Household (Government Whip)
Baroness Smith of Cluny KC will remain as HM Advocate General for Scotland
356
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Antony Carpen @acarpen.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
NEW MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS: www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Ministerial Appointments: July 2026
The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.
011
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Kieron Flanagan @kieronflanagan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Is the demise of the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology really the disaster that some commentators are suggesting? The nice people at @resprofnews.bsky.social gave me the space to explain why it really isn’t: www.researchprofessional.com/news-article... #scipolicy
researchprofessional.com
Research Professional Sign-in
3168
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New announcement on machinery of government changes today including moving local growth and devo strategy from MHCLG and local economic growth from HMT into No 10 North Could be a great opportunity to get to grips properly with local growth funding slightly removed from all the usual incentives
Text says "To ensure places are at the very heart of government strategy, the Prime Minister is establishing No.10 North as the engine room of devolution and good growth in every postcode, across government and the wider economy. This will include targeted transfers of overarching strategic functions: moving local economic growth and devolution strategy from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and local economic growth policy from HM Treasury directly into No 10 North. These departments will continue to exercise some remaining functions in these areas. This ensures that local economic growth policy and regional empowerment are no longer isolated from one another, establishing No 10 North as the dominant driver of the UK’s economy."
044
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
For DBIST watchers - worth pointing out DSIT annual spending (circa £15bn) far bigger than DBT (£3-4bn). Largest part is R&D with UKRI annual budget approx £9-10bn. Potentially expands resources for Industrial Strategy (especially place based elements).
331
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Paul Brand @paulbrand.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
BREAKING: Big job for Wes Streeting as he becomes Defence Secretary. Also; •Alex Norris as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice •Dame Angela Eagle as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs •Miatta Fahnbulleh as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
14419
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Chris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Breaking: Lucy Powell is new education secretary. Jonathan Reynolds is business and science secretary, seemingly confirming the closure of DSIT. More soon @timeshighered.bsky.social
032
Reposted by Andy Westwood
Co-operative Party @coopparty.party.coop · 20/07/2026
🐝 Congratulations to Co-operative Party MP Jonathan Reynolds, our new Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade!
0136
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
So Business, Innovation, Science and Trade - Hello DBIST and Goodbye DSIT…
210