Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Never, ever listen to these people when they preach from the rooftops about free speech, cancel culture and lefty snowflakes. The only speech they care about is that which agrees with them. 36024
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Well well well. How exciting. electoral-reform.org.uk/prime-minist...electoral-reform.org.ukPrime Minister announces manifesto pledge and historic National Commission at Labour ConferenceToday, in his first conference speech as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham committed his party to changing the way we elect MPs. It is hard to overstate how significant that is.Speaking in L 011
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 22/09/2026If the next election result is anything close to this, it's going to create one seriously messy, unstable and ungovernable situation. 010
Reposted by Ben StanfordPhil Brickell MP @philbrickellmp.bsky.social · 20/09/20261/ I’ve spoken with Vijay Rangarajan on a number of occasions & he is a professional, dedicated public servant. Following representations I made to the Rycroft Review and to the government on reducing spending in politics, I look forward to the EC’s proposals being brought forward asap.thetimes.comReform election fund threatened by spending rules reviewThe Electoral Commission is considering changes to how campaign money can be used 31810
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Tinfoil hat at the disposal, but a bit of a coincidence given recent chatter. news.sky.com/story/latest...news.sky.comAir traffic control latest: 'Technical issue' disrupts flights in northern England and ScotlandIt is the second air traffic control issue in two weeks after a software issue caused widespread chaos, with 2,100 flights affected. Follow the latest. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Is an interesting twist for the Representation of the People Bill on the cards? Australia-style compulsory voting? Surely a sticking plaster solution here, not addressing the fundamental problems of dissillusionment and loss of voter confidence. thedailybritain.co.uk/kinnock-blun...thedailybritain.co.ukKinnock and Blunkett urge Burnham to make voting compulsory with £10 fineNeil Kinnock and David Blunkett are urging Andy Burnham to introduce compulsory voting, with a proposed £10 fine for non-participation. 001
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Thinks we've forgotten about 2010-2024. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukBadenoch brings in lawyers after 94% Wandsworth Council tax hikeA row is growing over Wandsworth Council's rise, which the local authority is blaming on government funding cuts. 001
Reposted by Ben StanfordThe Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 18/09/2026"Lib Dem voters are viewed most warmly by rival supporters, while Reform sits bottom" Our new study, released ahead of Lib Dem party conference, is highlighted in POLITICO's London Playbook ➡️ www.politico.eu/newsletter/l... 002
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 16/09/2026"Responding to the village saying it had "roared", Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast: "I think they have – we have heard it, we are listening." These people are never in a million years going to vote Labour. Why continue with the appeasement? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukPiddington in Oxfordshire votes to leave UK over asylum plansPiddington residents vote over proposals to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers nearby. 020
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 15/09/2026"We'll help you set up another way to stay secure". After a log-in name. After a password. After multi-factor authentication. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Deja vu here. Not exactly how trusted allies should treat each other... www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comUK ministers urged to act after US flies out diplomat accused of possessing indecent images of childrenUS officials reportedly raided envoy’s London home and took him to American airbase without warning Met police 010
Reposted by Ben StanfordRobert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Reform is the richest party in Britain. Its leaders are almost all millionaires. It is funded almost exclusively by billionaires. It has a supportive TV station and widespread media backing. So naturally, this donation comes with the usual attack on "elites". www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comReform UK given record £36m donation by British crypto billionaireBen Delo was convicted in US for failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering controls but pardoned by Trump 371010469
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Holy moly. news.sky.com/story/reform...news.sky.comReform UK given record £36m donation from crypto billionaire Ben DeloThe sum comes after a summer dominated by scrutiny of Nigel Farage's party, including an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations it breached rules on political donations. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 11/09/2026What a mess. www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...theguardian.comMPs vote against assisted dying bill after tense debate – UK politics liveThe bill would have allowed terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to end their lives, after the approval of a panel of experts 001
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Sad how dreadful Royal Mail has become. Case example - Byline Times issue for September posted out on 24th August. Arrived today, 10th September, or 12 working days in transit. How many appointments missed? How many small businesses losing customers? 010
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 06/09/2026Lovely few days in Porto. What a gem. Now back to reality and 2026/27... 010
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 28/08/2026The Representation of the People Bill (votes at 16, bank cards as voter ID etc) to return for its final stages next week in the House of Commons. Over to the Lords soon after? www.parliament.uk/business/new...parliament.ukComing up in the Commons 1-4 SeptemberFind out what business will be debated in the House of Commons 1-4 September 000
Reposted by Ben StanfordIan Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 26/08/2026This would be a very good move. Crucial to think deeply about what model we should use but also to allow a big open process for how we arrive at it. Otherwise we make it easier for critics to brand it a stitch-up. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comLabour MPs will push Burnham to back voting reform in first 100 daysExclusive: Nearly 100 Labour MPs support commission on changing the system used for Westminster election 67850193
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Changing Westminster’s voting system shouldn't be left to the politicians. An independent commission could get the public and experts together in one room to examine the evidence and build consensus for reform. Add your name today: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...petition.parliament.ukPetition: Set up a National Commission on Electoral Reform to review the electoral systemI ask the Government to set up a National Commission on Electoral Reform, as advocated by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Elections. It should be an independent, time limited, expert led re... 010
Reposted by Ben StanfordRebecca Sear @rebeccasear.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Time to take out a subscription to Byline Times. They are covering stories of real public interest which involve academia right now 13920
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 19/08/2026A mammoth endeavor, to put it mildly. Wouldn't expect anything concrete for a few years. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 14/08/2026Objectively hilarious. But what a waste of time and money calling that by election. news.sky.com/story/politi...news.sky.comPolitics latest: Parliamentary watchdog reopens investigation into Nigel Farage after Clacton by-election winReform UK leader Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election - after a boycott by all the other major parties. He triggered the vote after resigning in protest at a parliamentary investigation into a... 020
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 14/08/2026The farcical by election ends in farce. www.reuters.com/world/uk/ref...reuters.comReform UK's Nigel Farage to avoid election count against Count BinfaceNigel Farage, leader of Britain's populist Reform UK party, said on Friday he had regained his parliamentary seat, but would not be present at the vote count because of a police warning about a camp... 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Wheels coming off the Reform bus? news.sky.com/story/politi...news.sky.comPolitics latest: Reform UK's Richard Tice under investigation by parliamentary watchdogThe parliamentary standards watchdog has launched an investigation into Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice. Meanwhile, the party is holding a press conference this morning on its latest plans to t... 000
Reposted by Ben StanfordElectoral Reform Society @electoralreform.bsky.social · 30/07/2026We're asking the government to set up a National Commission on Electoral Reform. It should be an independent review to build consensus for changing the electoral system for the Westminster Parliament. Add your name today: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76... 15452
Reposted by Ben StanfordJames Ball @jamesrball.com · 19/07/2026I think we can all agree that with this final we all just want to watch a great game of football. …that Argentina lose, catastrophically. 2157026
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 08/07/2026To be fair, they have a point. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...bbc.co.ukWorld Cup 2026: Egypt fume at 'injustice' and make Messi favouritism claims after exitBBC Sport unpicks a game that will go down in World Cup history for featuring a team who were two goals down so late on, but who went on to win without needing extra time. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Cosmic justice. 'Overturn this' - Belgium taunt US and say Trump move fired them up - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...bbc.co.ukWorld Cup 2026: 'A sense of injustice' - Belgium say Trump move fired them upBelgium's Nicolas Raskin says Fifa's decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play against them fired them up for the last-16 tie in Seattle. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 06/07/2026Better late than never with this kind of stuff. www.gov.uk/government/n...gov.ukTough new rules to crackdown on foreign money in UK electionsNew rules include a cap on donations from those who've lived overseas and tougher checks on company donations. 010
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 06/07/2026Who's old enough to remember when Qatar 2022 was seen as the dodgy World Cup?! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...bbc.co.ukWorld Cup 2026: Folarin Balogun decision 'incomprehensible and unjustifiable' - UefaUefa has strongly criticised Fifa's shock decision not to uphold Folarin Balogun's immediate suspension at the World Cup, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable". 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Only had 13 years. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukLabour failed to prepare for power, admits PM's ex-aide McSweeneyIn his first-ever interview, Morgan McSweeney tells the BBC the party did not deliver quickly enough in office. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Probably us Millennials too, let's be honest. Borrowing from the future to preserve retirement conditions today and the triple-lock. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukWhy Gen Z are planning for life without a state pensionMany younger people do not believe the state pension will exist when they are older 000
Reposted by Ben StanfordArthur Snell @snellarthur.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Labour can threaten a £10k charge on migrants and still it’s never enough for the hard right. Perhaps there’s a lesson here? 🤔 331527445
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Nothing says a thorough, respectful and well-conducted review process like spelling the author's name wrong in the feedback. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 29/06/2026What has Andy Burnham said about the voting system? electoral-reform.org.uk/what-has-and... Electoral Reform Society – ERSelectoral-reform.org.ukWhat has Andy Burnham said about the voting system?Westminster has, once again, been engulfed in high theatre. The Prime Minister stood aside on Monday announcing a two-week departure timetable. Hours later, Andy Burnham hopped on the tr 100
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 25/06/2026There really should be no place for small-c conservatism in the trade union movements. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comProgressive economists reject Unite leader’s criticism of Ed MilibandSharon Graham is urged to withdraw her claim that the energy secretary would cost jobs if he became chancellor 000
Reposted by Ben StanfordFinancial Times @financialtimes.com · 24/06/2026FT exclusive: Andy Burnham is looking to set up a 'Number 10 in the north', moving part of his prime ministerial operation to Manchester, in a radical attempt to shift power beyond Westminster ft.trib.al/49mgac4 5416729
Reposted by Ben StanfordTom Freeman @tomfreeman.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Are the England players dejected about Starmer going, is that it 514710
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 22/06/2026So to whom does the unhinged rage get directed towards now? 000
Reposted by Ben StanfordHeather Green @votingrules.bsky.social · 11/06/2026SI to reinstate SV for combined authority mayoral elections was approved by Commons on Tuesday; goes to Lords next week, 16th. So it should be in force if there's a Manchester mayoral vacancy to fill post-18th June. statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk/instrument/g...statutoryinstruments.parliament.ukTimeline - SI 2026 - Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2026 - Statutory Instruments - UK ParliamentTimeline for Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2026 011
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 02/06/202615 years without an update given everything that has happened is quite the dereliction of responsible government. 010
Reposted by Ben StanfordAlan Lester @alanlester.bsky.social · 29/05/2026So that’s two of the “Raise the Colours” organisers now charged with violent crimes & a fifth of the 2024 race rioters with domestic abuse. Makes you wonder whether “innocent patriotism” & “protecting women & girls” are just covers for thuggish racism & misogyny? 621683735
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 22/05/2026Great conference on "The Future of Constitutional Reform in the United Kingdom" organised by the Public Law team at The University of Manchester. With my colleague @drgarywilson.bsky.social, we presented on the growing case for proportional representation and to scrap first-past-the-post. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 22/05/2026Confronting these people and pushing back with this sort of language is long overdue. 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 21/05/2026The Green threat in Makerfield is real then! www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comAndy Burnham to back electoral reform if he becomes prime ministerLabour’s Makerfield byelection candidate wants to make politics ‘less point-scoring, more problem-solving’ 000
Ben Stanford @drbenstanford.bsky.social · 21/05/2026Actually admire politicians who give a bit back. We should all be less tolerant of these dickheads who are increasingly empowered. Stop with the manufactured outrage too when politicians demonstrate they are real people. www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...bbc.co.uk'Not very British!' Rachel Reeves reacts to persistent heckler 100