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Institute for Government

@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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The UK’s leading independent think tank working to make government more effective. ➡ Find our latest research, analysis, events and opportunities linktr.ee/instituteforgov

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Giles Wilkes @gilesyb.bsky.social · 51m
www.theguardian.com/education/20... Important @instituteforgovernment.org.uk by @amberdellar.bsky.social leading the news
theguardian.com
Labour Send changes at risk as parents rush to secure support, say experts
Overhaul of special education in England could unravel, thinktank finds, because of ‘use it before you lose it’ dynamic
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 50m
NEW 🚨 Today we have published the Schools chapter in our Public Services Performance Tracker 2026. It sets out our verdict on the government’s goals on attainment and absence, teacher workforce, SEND, funding, and the structure of the school system www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Performance Tracker 2026: Schools | Institute for Government
The government must better measure success across its school priorities and set out a clear long-term vision for the structure of the school system.
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Reposted by Institute for Government
Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 1h
This from @chrisgiles.ft.com is good and worth reading. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... We @instituteforgovernment.org.uk don’t agree now is time for a steady-as-she-goes budget www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn... 1/2
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham and Healey must avoid the budget mistakes of Starmer and Reeves | Institute for Government
The chancellor should take difficult decisions at the budget rather than ducking tough choices.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 1h
📺 Watch as our chief economist Thomas Pope tells us why the chancellor needs to be bold if he wants to avoid the mistakes of his predecessor. Follow @tompope.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social @drbenpaxton.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social for more.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 1h
John Healey's first budget as chancellor will be the biggest indication yet of the priorities of Andy Burnham's government. Ahead of 28 October, follow our Budget 2026 page for more detail about the decisions the chancellor needs to make www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/budget-2026
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Budget 2026 | Institute for Government
John Healey's first budget as chancellor will be the biggest indication yet of the priorities of Andy Burnham's government.
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Its unclear that halving 21-24 y/o employer NICs is better value for money than more targeted interventions. The government evaluation of 18-21 y/o NICs exemptions found limited impact on employers and substantial deadweight. RF analysis finds huge costs per job created www.ft.com/content/aae1...
ft.com
Badenoch pledges to halve employers’ NI contributions for younger workers
Tories say policy for 21- to 24-year-olds would cost £2.3bn once extra tax receipts and lower welfare spending were taken into account
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I'm torn on this. A NEETs review making recommendations on PIP and UC health really should be aligned with the PIP review - so if this delay is to ensure the Timms and Milburn review align, then great. But if this is just more can-kicking, then that's really not good www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
Verifying Device
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 19h
Andy Burnham has said he will aim to set out options for the UK’s relationship with the EU around the time of the next UK-EU summit. But what is the UK's current relationship with the EU? What are the future options? And could the UK rejoin the EU? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/uk...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The UK and the European Union: What is the current relationship? | Institute for Government
Andy Burnham has said he will aim to set out options for the UK’s future relationship with the EU around the time of the next UK-EU summit.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 21h
Andy Burnham has promised greater devolution of power. But can mayors be part of the answer to regaining public trust in government? @claire-ainsley.bsky.social and @akashpaun.bsky.social explore www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Can mayors be the answer to low public trust in government? | Institute for Government
New research by the IfG, More in Common and the University of York reveals what people really think about government.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 07/10/2026
The Labour Party Conference saw the prime minister set an ambitious direction for government. But the months ahead will show whether Andy Burnham can build and lead a government to deliver www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham has raised the bar for government | Institute for Government
The Labour party conference saw the PM set an ambitious direction for government.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/10/2026
Personalising benefits and support is key to helping disabled people into work. Our report sets out how Andy Burnham can reform benefits and support, while avoiding a repeat of the rushed and crude cuts that led to Starmer’s 2025 U-turn 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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/10/2026
Andy Burnham should establish the National Care Service this parliament There is no reason to delay plans for potentially three years www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/10/2026
🎧 Audio recordings of our events are available on our website and the IfG Events podcast: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
IfG at the Conservative Party Conference 2026 | Institute for Government
The IfG is in Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference 2026.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/10/2026
Leaders of tomorrow: How can the UK develop politicians fit for the future? Join us at 10:30 in Hall 8B to hear from Heather Blundell, Thérèse Coffey, Michael Gove @thespectator1828.bsky.social and @msvkelliott.bsky.social See our full programme: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/10/2026
Andy Burnham has opened the door to EU membership. But that does not mean the prime minister will find it easy to build consensus. Read the latest from @jillongovt.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham has opened the door to EU membership | Institute for Government
It is far from clear that there is a path to a consensus on Europe.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 06/10/2026
PODCAST🎙️In conversation with Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party Here, Alex Burghart tells us that government is not functioning due to a loss of both accountability and appetite for risk-taking 🎧 Listen to the full discussion www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
While the Conservatives are making their pitch in Birmingham spare a thought for Kemi Badenoch's (pretty large) shadow frontbench team For the ups (and downs) of shadow ministerial life on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Substack👇👇 instituteforgov.substack.com/p/kemi-baden...
instituteforgov.substack.com
Kemi Badenoch’s front bench casts a long shadow
Patrick McAlary sees a shadow minister at every turn
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
Social security, disability and health-related inactivity: What is the Conservative case for reform? Hear the full discussion with our expert panel at 15:45 in the Soprano Room. See our full programme of events: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
The prime minister is right to reform the pensions triple lock. But @tompope.bsky.social says Andy Burnham will need to be as bold at the budget if he is to fund new spending commitments www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham should follow triple lock reforms with more boldness on other fiscal problems | Institute for Government
The PM is right to reform the pensions triple lock.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
In conversation with Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party Join us at 13:10 for our next event in the Soprano Room where @alexgathomas.bsky.social will be in conversation with Alex Burghart. See our full programme of events: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
Andy Burnham has raised the bar for government The PM’s conference speech demonstrated his belief that government can fix the UK’s problems but he will first need to fix the way government works www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham has raised the bar for government | Institute for Government
The Labour party conference saw the PM set an ambitious direction for government.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
Should ministers have more power over public bodies? Join us at 11:00 in the Soprano Room with Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Henry Hill, Lord Maude, Sarah Woolnough @thekingsfund.bsky.social and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social See our full programme of events www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
Should ministers have more power over public bodies? Don't miss our next event at the Conservative Party Conference with Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Henry Hill, Lord Maude, Sarah Woolnough @thekingsfund.bsky.social and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/10/2026
In Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference? Our first event will be starting in the Soprano Room, Hyatt, in 10 mins. Join us to hear how the Conservatives should rethink their approach to power. With more events to come today www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
An image for an IfG event.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
PODCAST🎙️Getting things done: How can government deliver policy priorities? At the Labour Party Conference, @sarahjonesmp.bsky.social tells us about implementing policy in government. 🎧 Listen to our discussions at the Labour Party Conference: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-la...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
TOMORROW | In conversation with Baroness Bennett, former Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales Join us at 18:00 in the Alexandra Room at The Grand where @cathhaddon.bsky.social will be in conversation with @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-gr...
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Brave, prime minister. @andyburnham.bsky.social has opened the door to a debate about the UK's future relationship with the EU. He may be setting off on a long and winding road to get back in... me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham has opened the door to EU membership | Institute for Government
It is far from clear that there is a path to a consensus on Europe.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
PODCAST 🎙️ Burnham goes big: What difference does it make? Listen as @claire-ainsley.bsky.social and @sophiestowers.bsky.social joined @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and @alexgathomas.bsky.social in Liverpool after Burnham's conference speech 🎧 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-podcasts...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
And if you aren't heading to the Conservative Party Conference or want to listen back, audio recordings of our events will soon be on our website and the IfG Events podcast 🎧 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
And finally, to wrap up our time in Birmingham, we will explore how the UK can develop politicians fit for the future. Join us in Hall 8B at 10:30 on Tuesday 6th to hear from Heather Blundell, Thérèse Coffey, Michael Gove @thespectator1828.bsky.social and @msvkelliott.bsky.social
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
We will then turn to social security, disability, and health-related inactivity, asking what is the Conservative case for reform? Join us to hear from our expert panel featuring Helen Whately MP, @helenbarnard.bsky.social, @frasernelson.bsky.social, @drbenpaxton.bsky.social and @tompope.bsky.social
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
Next up, @alexgathomas.bsky.social will be in conversation with Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party. Join us at 13:10 to hear the full discussion.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
At 11:00, our expert panel will discuss whether ministers should have more power over public bodies. Join us in the Soprano Room with Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Henry Hill, Lord Maude, Sarah Woolnough @thekingsfund.bsky.social and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
First up at 08:30 on Monday, our event will explore governing in a fractured Britain, and how the Conservatives should rethink their approach to power. We will hear from an expert panel featuring @patrick-pme.bsky.social, Lucy Harris, Tom Skinner, Baroness Finn, and @alexgathomas.bsky.social.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
The IfG is heading to the 2026 Conservative Party Conference. Join us in Birmingham for our wide-ranging programme of fringe events. 📆 See what we have lined up: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
IfG at the Conservative Party Conference 2026 | Institute for Government
The IfG is in Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference 2026.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
Andy Burnham's plan to set out long-term options for the UK's future relationship with the EU marks a big break with Keir Starmer, argues @jillongovt.bsky.social, but this does not mean he will find it easy to build consensus. Read the full comment: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham has opened the door to EU membership | Institute for Government
It is far from clear that there is a path to a consensus on Europe.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/10/2026
Andy Burnham is right to reform the pensions triple lock, and linking this reform to his new national care service is good politics. However, more difficult decisions will be needed to fund social care and fix the public finances. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham should follow triple lock reforms with more boldness on other fiscal problems | Institute for Government
The PM is right to reform the pensions triple lock.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk has a really stellar line-up to debate the relationship between ministers and public bodies at Conservative conference next week. If you're in Birmingham and interested in how arms-length government works, you shouldn't miss this. Hope to see you there!
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/10/2026
CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE 2026 | Leaders of tomorrow: How can the UK develop politicians fit for the future? 📆 Tuesday 6 October, 10:30-11:30 Join our event in Birmingham with Heather Blundell, Thérèse Coffey, Michael Gove @thespectator1828.bsky.social and @msvkelliott.bsky.social
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/10/2026
Heading to the Green Party Conference? We will be in Brighton on Saturday 3 October for an in conversation with @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social. The former Leader of the Green Party will be chatting to @cathhaddon.bsky.social at 18:00 at The Grand www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-gr...
In conversation with Baroness Bennett, former Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
Saturday 3 October | 18:00–18:45 | Alexandra Room, The Grand Hotel, Brighton

Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government will be joined by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, former Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales (2012–16).
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/10/2026
Andy Burnham made an impassioned case for social care reform in his conference speech, drawing on his family’s own experience and telling care workers help was coming. But despite the rhetoric, the speech risks being another exercise in can kicking www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
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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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I joined BBC News in the studio this morning to explain what's happening with prison releases: who is being released, and why? For the full details, including what got us into this mess, have a look at our explainer: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pr...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/10/2026
Heading to the Conservative Party Conference? Find out more about our programme of events www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-co... And if you're not attending, audio recordings of all our events will be available on our website.
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
IfG at the Conservative Party Conference 2026 | Institute for Government
The IfG is in Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference 2026.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/10/2026
CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE 2026 | What is the Conservative case for reforming health and disability benefits? Join us on Monday 5 October in Birmingham to hear Helen Whately MP, @helenbarnard.bsky.social @trusselluk.bsky.social @frasernelson.bsky.social @drbenpaxton.bsky.social discuss
Social security, disability and health-related inactivity: What is the Conservative case for reform?
Monday 5 October | 15:45–16:45
Speakers:

Helen Whately MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy and Research at Trussell
Fraser Nelson, Columnist at The Times
Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government

This event will be chaired by Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government. 

This event is in partnership with Trussell.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/10/2026
As the new prisoner early release scheme begins today, our explainer sets out how the scheme works, who is being released and why these releases are needed www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pr...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
How will the new prison early release scheme work? | Institute for Government
The Sentencing Act 2026 has brought in several changes to early release in England and Wales.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/09/2026
Andy Burnham should establish the National Care Service this parliament. There is no reason to delay, says @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social. Waiting until after the next election is the wrong decision. Read the full comment here: 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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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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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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/09/2026
CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE 2026 | Should ministers have more power over public bodies? Join us in Birmingham on Monday 5 October, 11:00–12:00, to hear from Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Henry Hill, Lord Maude and Sarah Woolnough @thekingsfund.bsky.social Chaired by @drmatthewgill.bsky.social
Should ministers have more power over public bodies?
Monday 5 October | 11:00–12:00
Speakers:

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Shadow Minister (Treasury)
Henry Hill, Editor of The Critic
Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, Founder and Chairman of Francis Maude Associates
Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund

This event will be chaired by Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.
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