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Matilda Martin

@matildamartin.bsky.social
6.1K followers 1.4K following 587 posts

Political Reporter for PoliticsHome and writing for The House magazine 🖊️ about education (and a few other things) | prev Reporter @ Tes 📧matilda.martin@politicshome.com (she/her)

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Reposted by Matilda Martin
Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I've spent the last couple of months looking into how Green-run councils are exploring safer drug consumption facilities/rooms and other harm reduction spaces Campaigners and experts argue they could be introduced without a change in the law if arrangements were made with local police forces👇
politicshome.com
Green Councils Fight For Drug Consumption Rooms
The Green Party’s success in English local elections has put fresh impetus behind efforts to follow Scotland in providing safer drug consumption fa...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I spent a lot of time writing about the potential impact of Restore earlier this year Things have moved on since 6 months ago when Reform sources were insisting to me that they weren't worried about Rupert Lowe's party... www.politicshome.com/news/article...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I've spent the last couple of months looking into how Green-run councils are exploring safer drug consumption facilities/rooms and other harm reduction spaces Campaigners and experts argue they could be introduced without a change in the law if arrangements were made with local police forces👇
politicshome.com
Green Councils Fight For Drug Consumption Rooms
The Green Party’s success in English local elections has put fresh impetus behind efforts to follow Scotland in providing safer drug consumption fa...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
On Andy Burnham & the EU - PoliticsHome understands that a previous draft of PM's conference speech was more explicit, specifically questioning the government's long-standing red lines of staying out of the Single Market/Customs Union - What are the risks for Labour in reopening the Brexit debate?
politicshome.com
The Risks Of Burnham's EU Push
Andy Burnham opening the door to rejoining the European Union has been well-received by large parts of the Labour Party. But starting a new debate ...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Greens will this weekend debate the "Zionism is racism" motion Caroline Lucas told me in June: “I’m not sure it’s a very helpful debate...the way in which that motion was worded caused a lot of concern...across the party” She hoped it was held in a less “toxic” way [this] time
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Ben Gartside @bengartside.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
For WIRED, I’ve profiled the battle over Palantir in the UK www.wired.com/story/the-uk...
wired.com
The UK Government Faces a Reckoning Over Palantir
Andy Burnham once kept Palantir out of Greater Manchester. His first test as prime minister is whether to cut the company’s £330 million NHS contract—and risk a rupture with Big Tech and Washington.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Wandsworth council confirms record breaking council tax rise proposals as revealed by PoliticsHome last month I understand that since we revealed the 160% figure, council leaders had decided that the rise would not be enough to make up the shortfall identified and settled on 188%
politicshome.com
Wandsworth Council Planning Country's Largest Ever Council Tax Rise
Exclusive: Wandsworth Council in south London is preparing England's biggest ever council tax rise, which could be as much as 160 per cent, Politic...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Exclusive: The Tories are developing a policy to distribute pamphlets to every UK household advising how to respond to a civilian emergency The plans are inspired by countries like Denmark, where the government uses literature to instruct the public on what steps to take within the first 72 hours
politicshome.com
Tories Draw Up Plans To Give Every Household Civilian Emergency Pamphlet
Exclusive: The Conservatives are developing a policy to distribute pamphlets to every UK household advising how to respond to a civilian emergency.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Andy Burnham has committed to cross-party working to tackle social care reform But how exactly will this work? New details of plans and more in this piece for The House👇
politicshome.com
How Burnham Plans To Win Cross-Party Agreement On Social Care
Andy Burnham says he’s prepared to spend political capital on social care reform. Matilda Martin reveals details of how he plans to go about it
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Zoë Crowther @zoecrowther.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Richard Tice has responded to this story by tweeting: "Another journo making stuff up" Harriet Symonds, @matildamartin.bsky.social and I all spoke to business people for this story. Needless to say, we obviously stand by our reporting and did not "make stuff up"
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
Jim Waterson @jim.londoncentric.media · 07/09/2026
Obviously politics blah blah but much more fun to learn about the rival Boney Ms on tour, I love a classic band where there's about 16 different rival versions playing regional theatres each claiming authenticity thanks to the blessing of the original drummer.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The Boney M saga continues🪩 After one version of Boney M performed at Reform UK's conference on Friday evening, the band's original lead singer has hit out at "fake reckless" band members, saying Farage's party "has not embraced people who are in need" www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Boney M Singer Says UK Must Welcome Immigrants After Former Bandmate Performs At Reform Conference
Exclusive: Boney M's original lead singer has criticised 'fake reckless' band members for performing at Reform UK's conference last week, saying th...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
As Reform UK prepares for the next general election, the party will have to face a key obstacle on its path to No 10: the right-wing vote is splitting And (unsurprisingly!) the party is divided over how to deal with the challenge
politicshome.com
Reform UK Divided Over How To Tackle Challenge Of Increasingly Split Right-Wing Vote
As Reform UK prepares for the next general election, the right-wing vote is splitting – and the party is divided over how to deal with the challeng...
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
🗳️ Tactical voting and electoral pacts – yay or nay? As Reform UK prepares for the next general election, the right-wing vote is splitting – and the party is divided over how to deal with the challenge ✍️ @matildamartin.bsky.social reports from Reform conference
politicshome.com
Reform UK Divided Over How To Tackle Challenge Of Increasingly Split Right-Wing Vote
As Reform UK prepares for the next general election, the right-wing vote is splitting – and the party is divided over how to deal with the challeng...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
How is Reform UK preparing for a snap election in 2027? ➡️ Insiders say plans are to get as many parliamentary candidates ready by Xmas ➡️ Recently commissioned MRP to identify target areas ➡️ Reforming campaigning infrastructure with more targeted roles covering smaller areas
politicshome.com
How Reform Is Preparing For A Snap Election
Reform UK is expanding its campaign infrastructure and expediting candidate vetting in anticipation of an early general election.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
An update on Wandsworth council tax fallout🚨 Wandsworth Council & the Tory Party are preparing to formally appeal cuts to local government funding after we revealed that the South London borough was preparing to raise council tax by 160% Exclusive story with @zoecrowther.bsky.social 👇
politicshome.com
Tories To Formally Challenge Government Over London Council Tax Rises
Exclusive: Wandsworth Council and the Conservative Party are preparing to formally appeal cuts to local government funding after PoliticsHome revea...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Exclusive🚨Disco band Boney M is in talks with Reform UK to perform at the party's conference next month @politicshome.bsky.social understands The band, which rose to fame in the 70s with songs like Rasputin & Daddy Cool, is being lined up to appear at the afterparty
politicshome.com
Boney M In Talks To Play At Reform Conference
Exclusive: Disco band Boney M is in talks with Reform UK to perform at the party's conference next month, PoliticsHome understands.
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Wandsworth Council in south London is preparing England's biggest ever council tax rise, PolHome understands A 160% increase is under discussion as the Tory-run local authority tries to grapple with rising costs and a fall in central government funding PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social reports
politicshome.com
Wandsworth Council Planning Country's Largest Ever Council Tax Rise
Exclusive: Wandsworth Council in south London is preparing England's biggest ever council tax rise, which could be as much as 160 per cent, Politic...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Given cost pressures & historically low council tax in the borough, it won't come as a surprise that Wandsworth is planning the country's largest-ever council tax rise next year of ~160% Worth mentioning hit to residents will be less given half of total bill is made up of GLA precept
politicshome.com
Wandsworth Council Planning Country's Largest Ever Council Tax Rise
Exclusive: Wandsworth Council in south London is preparing England's biggest ever council tax rise, which could be as much as 160 per cent, Politic...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
💥The government spent around £15m on developing digital ID before the scheme was scrapped by the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. A government source told PolHome the money had been spent on staff, consultants, design, research and legal advice
politicshome.com
Government Spent £15m On Digital ID Before Policy Was Scrapped
The government spent around £15m on developing digital ID before the scheme was scrapped by the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
Alan White @aljwhite.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Fascinating @matildamartin.bsky.social read: Could Andy Burnham Be About To Reform The Student Loan System? www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Could Andy Burnham Be About To Reform The Student Loan System?
A Labour government under Andy Burnham could scrap the student loan system and replace it with a graduate tax or stepped repayment system.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Could Andy Burnham Be About To Reform The Student Loan System? Former govt adviser Nick Hillman who has known Burnham's chief of staff James Purnell for years, says Purnell was “the most active vice chancellor on the issue of student finance and graduate repayments” while heading up UAL
politicshome.com
Could Andy Burnham Be About To Reform The Student Loan System?
A Labour government under Andy Burnham could scrap the student loan system and replace it with a graduate tax or stepped repayment system.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
SCOOP ➡️The Cabinet Secretary is planning to overhaul civil service recruitment, scrapping the use of success profiles ➡️New model to be introduced that "emphasises skills + expertise" ➡️Expectation that move will more closely align civil service recruitment with private sector + bring in more talent
politicshome.com
Government To Overhaul Civil Service Recruitment
Exclusive: The Cabinet Secretary is planning to overhaul civil service recruitment, scrapping the use of success profiles.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
I speak to Lord Nash about: ➡️Why the Tories should not rule out an arrangement with Reform before the next general election ➡️How he persuaded govt to ban social media for children ➡️Why schools should not have maximum temperatures: "A bit of hardship...toughens people up a bit”
politicshome.com
Lord Nash: Tories Should Not Rule Out Reform Deal Before Next Election
Conservative peer Lord Nash speaks to Matilda Martin about his successful bid to persuade the government to ban social media for children, plus why...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Rupert Lowe this week became the first British politician to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience The Restore Britain-supporting Lotus Eaters podcast is another example of Lowe's digital strategy with @zoecrowther.bsky.social
politicshome.com
The 'MAGA-esque' YouTube Channel Boosting Rupert Lowe Online
Rupert Lowe this week became the first British politician to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience. The podcast has more British listeners than the BB...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Could an Andy Burnham government change the way policy is made? Will we see more citizens' assemblies, citizens’ juries and citizens’ panels? Some in the Burnham team are open to the idea, and the approach has already been embraced in some areas of Greater Manchester
politicshome.com
From 'Andy For Us' To 'Andy By Us': Deliberative Democracy Supporters Raise Their Hopes
The use of deliberative democracy in policymaking has been gaining traction of late. Matilda Martin finds its advocates hoping Andy Burnham embrace...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A curious tale from yours truly & @bengartside.bsky.social Tens of thousands have joined pro-Restore Britain FB groups being run by people who appear to be based in Pakistan & Bangladesh Some of these groups are later turned into vessels for selling firesticks, download codes & tech support
politicshome.com
Thousands Join Pro-Restore Britain Facebook Groups Run From Pakistan And Bangladesh
Tens of thousands have joined pro-Restore Britain Facebook groups being run by people who appear to be based in Pakistan and Bangladesh, an investi...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A curious tale from yours truly & @bengartside.bsky.social Tens of thousands have joined pro-Restore Britain FB groups being run by people who appear to be based in Pakistan & Bangladesh Some of these groups are later turned into vessels for selling firesticks, download codes & tech support
politicshome.com
Thousands Join Pro-Restore Britain Facebook Groups Run From Pakistan And Bangladesh
Tens of thousands have joined pro-Restore Britain Facebook groups being run by people who appear to be based in Pakistan and Bangladesh, an investi...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I sat down with Caroline Lucas earlier this month. We discussed: 🟢The party’s new direction under Zack Polanski 🟢Why the Zionism is racism debate is "not helpful" 🟢How the party needs to find better ways of handling its differences internally 🟢Why she is wary of a progressive alliance
politicshome.com
Caroline Lucas: The Greens Have Been 'Really Burnt' By Progressive Alliances With Labour
Former Green leader Caroline Lucas talks to Matilda Martin about her party’s new direction under Zack Polanski, how it needs to find better ways of...
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PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Exc: A senior Lib Dem has told @matildamartin.bsky.social that they and colleagues are "astonished" & "pissed off" after it emerged that Lord Rennard had the whip restored by the party amid an investigation into claims he sexually harassed female members "I'm incandescent that we have done this"
politicshome.com
Lib Dems 'Appalled' After Party Lifts Suspension From Peer Under Investigation For Sexual Harassment Claims
Exclusive: A senior Liberal Democrat has told PoliticsHome that they and their colleagues are 'astonished' and 'pissed off' after news emerged that...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
*Exclusive* A senior Liberal Democrat has told PoliticsHome that they and their colleagues are "astonished" and "pissed off" after news emerged that Lord Chris Rennard has had the whip restored while an investigation into claims he sexually harassed female members is still ongoing
politicshome.com
Lib Dems 'Appalled' After Party Lifts Suspension From Peer Under Investigation For Sexual Harassment Claims
Exclusive: A senior Liberal Democrat has told PoliticsHome that they and their colleagues are 'astonished' and 'pissed off' after news emerged that...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Now seems like a good time to reshare this exclusive interview I did with Andy Burnham on SEND reform: -“Start from a principle about nothing being taken away” -Backs "move away from" EHCPs, but in way that doesn't "destabilise/frighten" -“Whole school, not individual child funding model”
politicshome.com
SEND Reforms Must Not Be About 'Taking Away', Warns Andy Burnham
Exclusive: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said that reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system must “start ...
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Jim Waterson @jim.londoncentric.media · 23/06/2026
A decade+ since I was inadvertently invited to a Downing Street room with Facebook/Google/etc and Cameron walked in and asked everyone what they'd do to boost youth referendum turnout and a grand woman shouted "WE NEED GRIME ARTISTES, DOES ANYONE KNOW ANY GRIME ARTISTES" and I began to doubt Remain.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
With all eyes on the PM, what is Burnham planning to do on arrival in Westminster? We report Burnham is expected to meet with Labour MPs today as he prepares a bid to enter No 10 He is understood to be prioritising MPs with whom he does not have strong relationships, like those elected in 2024
politicshome.com
Andy Burnham Plans Meetings With Labour MPs As He Pushes For No 10
Exclusive: Andy Burnham is expected to meet with Labour MPs on Monday as he prepares a bid to replace Keir Starmer in Downing Street.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Reform council leader Sean Matthews is being investigated **by his own council** after telling the Reform Party podcast he asked Zia Yusuf for advice regarding a local authority contract and sent him the documents in 2025
politicshome.com
Reform Council Leader Under Investigation For Sharing Contract With Reform HQ
The leader of Reform-run Lincolnshire is being investigated by his own council after claiming to have shared a local authority contract with senior...
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I spent some time today speaking to former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas She told me the Greens "will be throwing everything" at the contest to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor and she will be up there "to do what I can to help" Full interview in The House mag later this month
politicshome.com
Greens Will 'Throw Everything' At Manchester Mayoral Election, Says Caroline Lucas
Exclusive: The Greens 'will be throwing everything' at the contest to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor, their former leader Carolin...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
“Farage's whole political strategy was pulling parties to the right. Lowe is now using the same strategy against Farage” @robfordmancs.bsky.social says Reform pitching right could hurt Farage by "motivating anti-Reform voters" to do whatever it takes to stop him winning
politicshome.com
What Did Makerfield Reveal About Restore Britain's Threat To Farage?
Following defeat in Makerfield, Nigel Farage has urged Restore Britain supporters to 'think again' about voting for Rupert Lowe's party, warning th...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
“Farage's whole political strategy was pulling parties to the right. Lowe is now using the same strategy against Farage” @robfordmancs.bsky.social says Reform pitching right could hurt Farage by "motivating anti-Reform voters" to do whatever it takes to stop him winning
politicshome.com
What Did Makerfield Reveal About Restore Britain's Threat To Farage?
Following defeat in Makerfield, Nigel Farage has urged Restore Britain supporters to 'think again' about voting for Rupert Lowe's party, warning th...
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Alain Tolhurst @alaintolhurst.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
As I was trying to get my infant into the shower just now he threw his t shirt out of the 1st floor window into the garden and I watched as one of the chickens waddled over and pooped on it. I asked him why he did that and he said “double effort makes double expert” 🤷‍♂️
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I spent some time today speaking to former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas She told me the Greens "will be throwing everything" at the contest to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor and she will be up there "to do what I can to help" Full interview in The House mag later this month
politicshome.com
Greens Will 'Throw Everything' At Manchester Mayoral Election, Says Caroline Lucas
Exclusive: The Greens 'will be throwing everything' at the contest to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor, their former leader Carolin...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Reform council leader Sean Matthews is being investigated **by his own council** after telling the Reform Party podcast he asked Zia Yusuf for advice regarding a local authority contract and sent him the documents in 2025
politicshome.com
Reform Council Leader Under Investigation For Sharing Contract With Reform HQ
The leader of Reform-run Lincolnshire is being investigated by his own council after claiming to have shared a local authority contract with senior...
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The leader of Reform-run Lincolnshire is being investigated by his own council after revealing that he shared details of an internal contract with Zia Yusuf, reports PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social
politicshome.com
Reform Council Leader Under Investigation For Sharing Contract With Reform HQ
The leader of Reform-run Lincolnshire is being investigated by his own council after claiming to have shared a local authority contract with senior...
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
“Reform has got to win up of 300 seats to form the next government" - @robfordmancs.bsky.social The scale of Burnham's win meant that Reform would have lost regardless of Restore Britain. However, the 7% won by Lowe's party demonstrates the headache facing Farage, writes @matildamartin.bsky.social
politicshome.com
What Did Makerfield Reveal About Restore Britain's Threat To Farage?
Following defeat in Makerfield, Nigel Farage has urged Restore Britain supporters to 'think again' about voting for Rupert Lowe's party, warning th...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
“Reform has got to win up of 300 seats to form the next government. They really would like to be able to say X and Y seats are in the bag. Restore Britain adds this additional element of uncertainty." Who is voting Restore Britain? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think
politicshome.com
What Did Makerfield Reveal About Restore Britain's Threat To Farage?
Following defeat in Makerfield, Nigel Farage has urged Restore Britain supporters to 'think again' about voting for Rupert Lowe's party, warning th...
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Reposted by Matilda Martin
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Burnham is set to meet Labour MPs on Monday as he prepares his No 10 push The meetings are focused on Labour MPs with whom he does not have strong relationships, like the 2024 intake "there's a whole bunch of people he doesn't know" report @matildamartin.bsky.social & @adampayne26.bsky.social
politicshome.com
Andy Burnham Plans Meetings With Labour MPs As He Pushes For No 10
Exclusive: Andy Burnham is expected to meet with Labour MPs on Monday as he prepares a bid to replace Keir Starmer in Downing Street.
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PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
In PMQs, Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper urged government to "rip up" its Brexit red lines after her party called on the UK to re-join the single market This month, PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social & @zoecrowther.bsky.social revealed that bolder EU policy was part of a Lib Dem strategy reset
politicshome.com
Inside The Lib Dem Strategy Rethink
The Liberal Democrats are under pressure to remain relevant, with their own MPs publicly admitting there is frustration about the party's lack of p...
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Henry Dyer @direthoughts.com · 15/06/2026
blocked from X, banned from bluesky, britain's teenagers turn in desperation to the last social microblogging site left. the renaissance of the matt hancock app is upon us
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PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Keir Starmer has said he is hopeful a ban on social media for under-16s will come into effect by spring 2027 The PM said the Australia-style ban is "not something I do lightly" and isn't "cost-free", however he is "not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children"
politicshome.com
PM Announces Under-16 Social Media Ban In 'Big Moment For Our Country'
Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government will ban social media for under-16s.
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Former Labour defence secretary Lord Hutton tells me Starmer's credibility "will be shot" if he doesn't rethink military spending plans in the wake of Healey's resignation Resignation is a "colossal failure of govt" +UK should be "ashamed" + Govt should increase borrowing to fund defence spending
politicshome.com
Healey Resignation Is 'Colossal Failure Of Government', Says Former Labour Defence Secretary
A former Labour defence secretary has warned Keir Starmer that his credibility 'will be shot' if he doesn't rethink military spending plans in the ...
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Matilda Martin @matildamartin.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Resharing this piece I wrote over a year ago, in which defence figures, including former ministers, told me the UK is not currently capable of defending itself from attack....
politicshome.com
UK Would Struggle To Protect Itself From Attack, Say Defence Figures
The UK is not currently capable of defending itself from attack, defence figures including former ministers have told PoliticsHome.
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