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Matthew Fright

@matthewfright.bsky.social
1.1K followers 251 following 396 posts

Associate director - devolution @instituteforgovernment.org.uk formerly @nao.org.uk analyst. PhD on history of national income accounts. Views are my own.

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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Following Angela Rayner's decision to fully review her predecessor’s LGR decisions, today at 12.30, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, in partnership with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social, has brought together a great panel to discuss how this came about and what happens next. Sign up details below.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 11/09/2026
Local government reorganisation credibility is on the line After launching a full review of her predecessor’s LGR decisions following new legal advice, Angela Rayner must now act to rebuild trust in the process, argues @matthewfright.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/loca...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Local government reorganisation credibility is on the line | Institute for Government
Local authorities need a clear delivery timetable following the LGR process review.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 10/09/2026
EVENT | Angela Rayner has put plans to restructure local government on hold. So what went wrong and what happens next? We'll now discuss on Monday 14 September, 12:30, with Amanda Askham @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social, @matthewfright.bsky.social, Heather Jameson from The MJ and @akashpaun.bsky.social
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Yesterday Burnham made his first commons appearance as PM. Much of it echoed familiar themes, but there was one point I thought worth digging into: his commitment to extending devo and the role local MP's could play in making it happen. 🧵
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Interesting - with contribution from @drbenpaxton.bsky.social
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
There's been an interesting debate about whether mayors could (and should) be able to provide rebates with assigned revenue. This from @jacktshaw.bsky.social is the best summary I've seen of the current legal position jackshaw.substack.com/p/can-and-sh... Some thoughts on the merits 🧵1/12
jackshaw.substack.com
Can — and should — mayors be allowed to offer tax rebates?
debates over tax rebates are fiscal policy, but also the political differences that greater devolution will create — and what they mean for the relationship between Whitehall and strategic authorities
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 31/07/2026
Andy Burnham’s devolution announcement is a strong start on his priority agenda Changes on tax, new powers and institutions show Burnham means business, says @tompope.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham’s devolution announcement is a strong start on his priority agenda | Institute for Government
Changes on tax, new powers and institutions show Burnham means business.
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
And here is my piece for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk elaborating a bit on these initial reflections www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham’s devolution announcement is a strong start on his priority agenda | Institute for Government
Changes on tax, new powers and institutions show Burnham means business.
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Really great it looks like government is going further on devolving employment support. It's a big opportunity to join-up services, tailor support locally, improve engagement and innovate. Flexible funding will be key to this (and should help areas streamline the current patchwork of programmes)
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A great overview of the Burnham government's plans to rewire the state.
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
More @instituteforgovernment.org.uk initial reactions to the rewiring the state cabinet statement. TLDR - the scale of ambition is bold so a lot to unpack 🧵
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Stuart Hoddinott @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
This is a genuinely exciting announcement about Burnham's intention for public service reform There are some potentially massive changes to the way that services are funded and operate A few things that jumped out at me 👇 www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Rewiring the State – Cabinet Statement (HTML)
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
If you think this one looks complex... the reality is now even more complex than that...
An institute for government map showing areas by devolution and local government reorganisation status
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A big devolution day with press reports suggesting fiscal devolution, greater powers and a new 'local first' principle trailed in the papers. But for Andy Burnham to truly spread 'good growth in every postcode' requires a complete English devolution map 🧵
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Here’s our piece wrapping up Andy Burnham’s government formation - six things we learned about BurnhamWorld by @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @philipnye.bsky.social @meganbryer.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/six-...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Six things we learned from Andy Burnham’s government formation | Institute for Government
What do Andy Burnham’s cabinet choices reveal about the priorities and direction of his new government?
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Andy Burnham is setting out his approach to social care Our performance tracker from 2025 shows the damaging geographical and demographic ‘care gap’ in England. To take action government needs to understand how and where this care gap is forming www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
As the new government continues to make big announcements daily, we @instituteforgovernment.org.uk will be taking stock on Thursday lunchtime in a webinar. Do join! You can sign up at the link below
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 23/07/2026
As Burnham enters No10, with a new minister for intergovernmental relations attending cabinet, @akashpaun.bsky.social & @matthewfright.bsky.social offer some advice to the government on how to improve relations with Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The Burnham government needs a new strategy for the Union | Institute for Government
To deliver growth in every postcode, Burnham must build a genuine partnership with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
With everyone looking for clues for how the new PM may govern and what further devolution may look like, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab series features 18 case studies of how devolved powers and funding have been used across six policy areas, in 10 mayoral regions.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 23/07/2026
Burnham is right to create an Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Adopting the IfG’s proposals to redesign the centre of government should enable the new prime minister to drive government more effectively, says @alexgathomas.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Burnham is right to create an Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Institute for Government
Reforms to No10 and the Cabinet Office must be more than a rebranding exercise.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Burnham’s cabinet is the first to achieve gender parity. And the Office for Equality and Opportunity will move to the MHCLG with Bridget Phillipson remaining in post as Minister for Women and Equalities. Here’s our IfG breakdown of what yesterday’s announcements mean for women in government … 🧵
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Major machinery of govt changes including - finally! - the creation of an Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet Long overdue and excellent news that the Burnham govt has grasped this nettle questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Philip Nye @philipnye.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
One question that’s come up a couple of times: where do Andy Burnham’s new cabinet represent as MPs? The north west has been the big gainer, with seven cabinet ministers holding seats there – of whom, five are in Greater Manchester
A small multiple of bar charts from the Institute for Government, showing the number of cabinet ministers by constituency region for the Starmer and Burnham governments in July 2026. The North West has the highest number of cabinet ministers under either government, with seven under Burnham
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
In his resignation speech, outgoing MHCLG secretary of state Steve Reed quoted remarks made by Andy Burnham at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk conference 2026
Extract from resignation letter by Steve Reed MP in which he said "At MHCLG, I sped up work to devolve power out of Whitehall and was grateful you acknowledged this "increasing clarity of drive towards devolution"
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 20/07/2026
Keir Starmer ducked the scale of the government’s fiscal challenges on entering office. Andy Burnham now has the opportunity to avoid making the same mistake, say @tompope.bsky.social, @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham needs a new fiscal strategy that deals with the tax lock | Institute for Government
Tough choices on tax and spend await the next prime minister.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The two ministers who have resigned today were both direct ministerial appointments (appointed to the Lords by Starmer to serve in government) As PM Starmer appointed ten of these - you can read more about these posts and how they're appointed in our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Direct ministerial appointments to the House of Lords | Institute for Government
If the prime minister wants to appoint a minister who is not a sitting MP or serving peer, they must ennoble them.
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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
We have our new PM. Alongside, we’ll get a whole host of new ministers. We’re expecting new leaders in most of the big public service departments: health, justice, local government, home office, & maybe education too. But what will this mean for services and all their ongoing reforms? 🧵
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Amber Dellar @amberdellar.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Good news, and... One of the big positives in the Starmer govt’s approach was its move beyond a narrow focus on rough sleeping. Burnham should make sure this pledge sits within a broader prevention strategy - not simply drive more spending on poor-value temporary accommodation to meet the target
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Local government reorganisation decisions are due today, shaping the future of local government in many areas. For those thinking about what comes next, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk making a success of LGR series, delivered in partnership with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social, is a great resource.
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Keir Starmer has started his final week as PM. So what have been the big moments of his premiership, and what can his successor learn from the last two years? We @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have been having a look back... www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
A timeline showing key moments from Starmer's premiership
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
With mayoral devolution set to take centre stage in Government thinking, join this fantastic @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event tomorrow evening to learn how mayors are using their powers and influence to support a just climate transition. Signup details below.
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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
On byelections, writs, and timetables. 1. For a by-election to be held, a writ (a document calling for an election to take place in a particular constituency) needs to be sent to the constituency returning officer who will oversee the election.
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
if you have worked in or with government, this is a fantastic opportunity - you will enjoy it so much. Take it - you won't regret it. Am almost tempted to apply............
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
we know that the (99.9% certain) next PM is up for devo.. but what will that mean for #netzero -- can mayors deliver the energy transition. Join us @instituteforgovernment.org.uk next week to find out what they have been doing/ what more they could do. Sign up below (and please RT)
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Within a few weeks we'll have our next prime minister - don't know if you've heard, but he's been mayor of Manchester for the last few years. @tompope.bsky.social, @akashpaun.bsky.social and I have had a look for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk at the differences between the two roles:
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
From mayor to prime minister | Institute for Government
Does Andy Burnham’s experience as a regional mayor prepare him for No.10?
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
On the 10th anniversary of the referendum, @meganbryer.bsky.social and I have looked into the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Ministers Reflect archive to see what ministers involved in getting Brexit done (to coin a phrase) thought about it all... www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
"Whitehall did a really crap job of negotiation. I mean, really crap. I think it’s partly because they sympathised with the European view and assumed that was reciprocated." David Davis, Secretary of state for exiting the European Union (2016-18)
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
With most of the focus on how Burnham might achieve the top job, there is little focus on how he might go about preparing for the job itself. So @jackworlidge.bsky.social and i have looked at how mid-term prep for govt compares www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pr... 1/
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Preparation for government by opposition parties or leadership challengers | Institute for Government
What is a transition of government?
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
So. Solution they’ve gone for (and Starmer suggested he at least had considered this) is nominations open 9 July and close by recess in third week of July). That’ll be to get the MPs PLUS affiliates/ CLP If no one else nominated then Burnham becomes PM by end of July Or full contest over summer
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 22/06/2026
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party. This means a Labour Party leadership contest will now take place. Our explainer sets out how a contest will work www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/la...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
How do Labour Party leadership contests work? | Institute for Government
A Labour leadership election can only be triggered if the leader resigns, or if 20% of MPs nominate a challenger.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Andy Burnham has won in Makerfield with 55% of the vote share. But this wasn't your average by-election. Voters in Makerfield could well have determined how long Starmer has left in office, and who could succeed him as the next prime minister. Here's our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk breakdown... 🧵
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Really fascinating set of reflections from various IfG colleagues - all worth a read!
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Defence secretary John Healey has just resigned over the govt's Defence Investment Plan, writing that it "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time". We're getting our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk resignation chart fired back up..
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Insightful commentary from @shawharriet.bsky.social on what the May 2026 elections means for mayors. As she rightly points out - collaboration is core to the mayoral model and there are many cases where "place" prevails over "politics". But cooperation on contentious issues may become challenging
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Ahead of the May 2026 elections I went to speak with leaders overseeing local government reorganisation (LGR). You can hear their take on the local elections would affect LGR delivery. You can hear their insights on this special @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Inside Briefing podcast linked below
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
A bank holiday bonus - a new Inside Briefing podcast from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk! In this episode, I’ve been travelling across the Home Counties to explore how the May 2026 election results could shape the implementation of local government reorganisation. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Following the devolved elections, first ministers Rhun ap Iorwerth and John Swinney have made their ministerial appointments. A new paper from @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and me draws on the IfG’s Ministers Reflect archive to outline key lessons on how to be an effective devolved government minister.
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
What can new ministers in Scotland and Wales learn from their predecessors?: Ministers reflect on devolution | Institute for Government
Former ministers – including several first ministers – share their insights on devolved government.
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Can’t tell you how much tweaking went into getting this slightly-more-complicated-than-you’d-think graphic right… Excellent work from @melissaittoo.bsky.social as ever
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
WMCA’s new Birmingham East MDC will accelerate projects like the Sports Quarter. Our latest @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab report shows how MDCs are being used to unlock investment and deliver at pace - with Birmingham as a key case study⬇️ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
wmca.org.uk
Mayor launches Britain’s biggest and most powerful Development Corporation to drive £11bn regeneration of East Birmingham
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, today launched Britain’s biggest and most powerful Mayoral Development Corporation to significantly speed up the £11bn regeneration of East Birmingham, one ...
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Rosa Hodgkin @rosahodgkin.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
If you have heard people talking about Jackdaw and Rosebank but are not totally sure what they actually are... ⬇️
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