Sign in

Francis Elliott

@franciselliott.bsky.social
13K followers 122 following 81 posts

Journalist and author, editor of The House.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Sally Dawson @sallydawson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“I found it intensely moving to be up close to this astonishing window onto life in the 11th century. And I mean up close… The colours glow in the subdued light. The details are arrestingly clear” 🏛️ @lordrickettsp.bsky.social reviews 'The Bayeux Tapestry' @britishmuseum.bsky.social bit.ly/4A2XNsK
bit.ly
'Breathtaking': Lord Ricketts reviews 'The Bayeux Tapestry' at the British Museum
Take one very precious 70-metre-long tapestry on a 348-mile journey for the chance to travel back nearly a thousand years in time. Some experiences...
041
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Tom Roberts @tpgroberts.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Actually going to join in, I had to be very good and not laugh earlier after walking past two young hijabi women trying on baseball caps, and one, trying on an orange cap with her black hijab, asked how she looked and her friend smirked "like a fucking penguin."
514712
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Dr Florence H R Scott @florencehrscott.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Bayeux Tapestry good but massively upstaged by seeing a cat in a ruff right before
664333771
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Marie Le Conte @youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com · 20/07/2026
oh so a while back I used to run these fun interviews with MPs for Parliament's in-house magazine - did one with John Healey, which I really enjoyed at the time, and you may like also: www.politicshome.com/thehouse/art...
1130132
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Fifthcolumnblue @fifthcolumnblue.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Argentina.
232171517
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
2/ ...the 12 months before becoming an MP in 2024. The investigation would be suspended while he was no longer an MP. If he won the by-election, it would resume. If he lost, it could still be resumed...
210117
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
🧵 Amid all the speculation about Nigel Farage's 2pm statement, it's worth noting paragraph 40 of the Procedural Protocol to the MPs' Code of Conduct. If he announces he's resigning and seeking a by-election, that would not automatically end the investigation into whether he breached the Code in...
42971400
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Good to see a minister push back against the content of the Blair piece. Particularly on the incredibly lazy "taxes have risen because of benefits" stuff.
537583
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Zoë Crowther @zoecrowther.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Latest state of play via @labourlist.bsky.social 103 Labour MPs publicly backing PM 90 calling for him to step down/set out a timetable for doing so 210 not yet announced Three ministers – Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones and Miatta Fahnbulleh – have quit so far
54113
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Hoodlum 🇺🇸 @nothoodlum.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
This is so well done. 👌
560196778277
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Daniel Sugarman @danielsugarman.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
The Jewish News, which I am proud to work for as Deputy Editor, has published an editorial on this week's Iftar prayers in Trafalgar Square www.jewishnews.co.uk/voice-of-the...
Excerpt from the article:

"The question here is not really one of whether such prayer is in fact an attempt to “dominate” – or the more obvious explanation, that during Ramadan one breaks ones’ fast by eating very briefly just before and then more properly after the evening Maghrib prayer (yes, like our own Maariv prayer). Rather it is about whether one has the right to publicly express their religious identity in this country. In this specific instance, an event to mark a key event in the Islamic calendar had been openly and legally booked for Trafalgar Square. Muslims present had every right to pray as a part of that."
91559345
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Philip Cowley @philipjcowley.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Westminster Hall debate this afternoon, triggered by an e-petition calling for automatic by-elections whenever an MP defects to another party. Some (sceptical) background reading (by me) here: swingometer.substack.com/p/waka-waka-...
swingometer.substack.com
Waka waka waka
Or, How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Recall Petition
2117
Reposted by Francis Elliott
General Boles @generalboles.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
"Did you not hear me? Get yourselves over to Tehran and make the country proud"
1115138
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
@benshimshon.bsky.social the person that most clearly saw this error was a very senior figure in the Tory campaign. Told me 'yeah they are going to win but they're making a terrible mistake on tax in particular'
110
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
The trouble with the Ming vase approach to winning elections is that a Ming vase is not much use one you've carried it across the polished floor. This is not as facetious as it might sound. A more robust mandate for specific actions more useful than a flabby majority.
120
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Since I see hacks are doing their self-serving recollections of Mandelson so here's mine: I was made very aware that he regarded me as below the salt. Our only meaningful interaction ended with him saying "off you pop". So Peter, off you pop.
721314
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Philip Cowley @philipjcowley.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Article for the House magazine, in which I get a bit Scrooge-like about my Santa poll www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Santa votes Green, Scrooge votes Reform
Who do you think Santa votes for? Chances are it's whichever is your preference. But once that bias is discounted, it turns out Father Christmas is...
2106
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Mile End Institute @mileendinstitute.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
"As a new generation of Labour MPs grapple with their unease...Taverne’s example reminds us of the importance of having independently minded MPs with the shrewdness and elegance of the 'Victor of Lincoln'." Words by our Manager Tom Chidwick in the latest @thehousemag.bsky.social! shorturl.at/BeTPd
politicshome.com
Tribute to Lord Taverne: the resilient rebel who was 'too hot to handle'
In becoming the first post-war independent victor of an English by-election, Dick Taverne helped break the dominance of the main parties in 1973. W...
076
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Welsh Labour have just posted this on their official social media.
1510715
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Sally Dawson @sallydawson.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
A brutal and electric documentary following a Ukrainian brigade as it attempts to liberate a strategically important village, Chernov’s film is breathtaking and unmissable 🎥 @tomthescribe.bsky.social reviews Mstyslav Chernov’s '2000 Meters to Andriivka' | @dogwoofdocs.bsky.social bit.ly/46tDzfa
bit.ly
'Masterful': Tom Mutch reviews '2000 Meters to Andriivka'
A brutal and electric documentary following one of Ukraine’s most elite brigades as it attempts to liberate a strategically important village from ...
011
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Subscribe to your gloriously hard copy of The House magazine - featuring sage Cowley - and join the resistance. Offer on now.
041
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Philip Cowley @philipjcowley.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Political Studies Association announces it is no longer going to send out hard copies of its journals to members. Maybe I'm the only dinosaur still to get them and find them useful. But feels like other example of enshitification to me.
1303
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
A fascinating interview with David Evans by @franciselliott.bsky.social that gets to the core of modern Labour’s intellectual roots www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Keir Starmer's First General Secretary On What Labour Must Do Next
David Evans was instrumental in turning Labour into an election-winning machine. He tells Francis Elliott about soothing Angela Rayner's rows with ...
031
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Sally Dawson @sallydawson.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
"It is not often possible to recommend a TV series as compelling as Adam Curtis’ Shifty" 📺 Baroness Tessa Blackstone reviews 'Shifty' | #BBCiPlayer #shifty bit.ly/4nXuNg4
bit.ly
'A triumph': Baroness Blackstone reviews 'Shifty'
Looking for a summer recess watch? Waste no time and go straight to Adam Curtis’ documentary series
022
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Listen carefully: How AI is changing Britain's GP surgeries
politicshome.com
Listen carefully: How AI is changing Britain's GP surgeries
Does AI hold the key to fixing our health service? Noah Vickers reports from the ‘wild west’ of GP surgeries getting to grips with the technology
044
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Tim Bale @timbale.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Your friendly neighbourhood rebellions guru, @qmpoliticsir.bsky.social's @philipjcowley.bsky.social on where MPs sit (and stand). Sadly, the Rush reference is to the loud band, not the lethal Liverpool striker. But, hey, you can't have everything.
133
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Simon Johnson🇺🇦 @simonrjohnson.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Incredible story. What selflessness and honour ! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
bbc.co.uk
Wiaan Mulder says 'legend' Brian Lara should keep Test record for highest individual score
South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder declares on 367 not out, passing up the opportunity to break Brian Lara’s record for the highest individual score in a Test innings.
255
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Matthew Garrahan @mattgarrahan.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
NEW: Tony Blair's staff took part in a BCG project for the redevelopment of Gaza along the lines of the 'Trump Riviera' plan www.ft.com/content/0b1b...
ft.com
Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
Former UK prime minister’s institute participated in meetings on plan to turn shattered enclave into trading hub
39372231
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
In particular, parking app I resent having had to download, I feel no need to review Tesco Mare Street car park.
241
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Not saying things are quiet on the Tottenham beat rn but the lead story on that section of @theathletic.bsky.social has been a pair of gates for three days. Unclear what position they will play - presume defence...
040
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Here's @roberthutton.co.uk on the time Gordon Brown met some sushi. Fairly confident this is the funniest thing you'll read all week
politicshome.com
Politicians making a meal of it. This week: Gordon Brown’s sushi
“What’s this?”
34715
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Philip Cowley @philipjcowley.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Latest @thehousemag.bsky.social article on the costs of governing. Inc references to Game of Thrones (lame), the opening credits of Fame (more than 40 years ago), and Rush (maybe not the coolest band ever). As always, ultra hip, finger on the pulse, etc. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
The Professor Will See You Now: The Costs Of Governing
Professor Philip Cowley offers a political science lesson for The House’s readers. This week: the costs of governing
4159
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Wrote about the enhanced games
thecritic.co.uk
Roping the dopes | Alan White | The Critic Magazine
I remember musing once that one option in the future could be to get rid of drug tests entirely. Just let athletes take whatever drugs they want
2144
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Trish Greenhalgh @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on. slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect.
10955954783
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
And so it begins...
040
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Jim Waterson @jim.londoncentric.media · 19/06/2025
From a Q&A I wrote for the Guardian in 2021. www.theguardian.com/media/2021/d...
59118
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
If you ever wanted to understand what an effort to exert unchecked executive power against representatives of the legislative branch looks like
24318
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Philip Cowley @philipjcowley.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Latest piece in the @thehousemag.bsky.social, on sortition for parliamentary candidates. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
The professor will see you now: Do elections need some 'pot luck'?
Professor Philip Cowley offers a political science lesson for The House’s readers. This week: should parties use sortition to choose candidates?
133
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Pls pass this on to any aspiring political journalist- especially those that might not be able afford unpaid internships in London totalpoliticsgroup.bamboohr.com/careers/73?s...
totalpoliticsgroup.bamboohr.com
The House Magazine’s Lord Cormack Fellowship
The Lord Cormack Fellowship is a month-long paid fellowship with Parliament’s magazine, The House.  The fellowship aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to political journalism, magazine produc...
0412
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Philip Cowley @philipjcowley.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Latest piece for @thehousemag.bsky.social - on perceptions of prime ministerial power. With added marking. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
The Professor Will See You Now: The Limits Of Prime Ministerial Power
As memories of Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher fade, so perceptions of the limitations of prime ministerial power increase
21311
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
A fine issue of a fine magazine
001
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Bill @billwashere.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
2025 UEFA Super Cup: PSG 0 (4.76 xG) - Spurs 1 (0.91) Johnson (9’)
711116
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Follow the money… will be fascinating to see what Reform’s conference actually looks loke this year
politicshome.com
Reform Hopes The World Of Business Will Flock To Its Party Conference
Reform UK is planning a major business presence at its Autumn conference as part of the party's wider bid to demonstrate that it is a professionali...
472
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
The Sultan of Spin - a denizen of the back room brought blinking into the light
042
Reposted by Francis Elliott
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
The UK's former chief trade adviser Sir Crawford Falconer talks US tariffs, an EU deal and more with @matildamartin.bsky.social Is Donald Trump a good negotiator? "Well, if he is, I’m yet to see the part of the play where I could say, ‘Ah, so that’s what he was up to’,” he tells her
politicshome.com
Sir Crawford Falconer Interview: “The House Is Still On Fire' After Trump's Tariffs
Sir Crawford Falconer was the UK’s chief trade negotiation adviser until the end of last year, when his contract ended – and the Labour government ...
073
Reposted by Francis Elliott
Sally Dawson @sallydawson.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
An institution with intricate power dynamics; characters grappling with political intrigue, elections and doubts about their faith – what film could be more apt for a parliamentary audience? 🎬 @angusmacdonaldld.bsky.social reviews 'Conclave' | #Conclave bit.ly/4k3Yucx
bit.ly
'Sublime': Angus MacDonald reviews 'Conclave'
An institution with intricate power dynamics; characters grappling with political intrigue, elections and doubts about their faith – what film coul...
022
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
No Phil, sorry you're tuning out. I'm joined by my guests to see what this stunning Reform win means for politics... www.politicshome.com/thehouse/art...
politicshome.com
The Professor Will See You Now: by-elections
In an occasional series, Professor Philip Cowley offers a political science lesson for The House’s readers. Here: it’s not the by-election winner b...
021
Francis Elliott @franciselliott.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
What's that Paula? Can't quite hear you. Now, back to the studio from this utterly transformed new political scene....
06413