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Paddy McAlary

@paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
311 followers 211 following 100 posts

Historian of medieval Ireland and Britain @cam.ac.uk Research Fellow @queens.cam.ac.uk Researcher on parliament and government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk

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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 17h
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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Jonathan Jones @sirjjkc.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
New guidance to ministers on • consultations: there are to be fewer of them • legal risk: ministers are to be “empowered to accept higher levels of legal risk” • judicial review: further limits to JR of big infrastructure projects www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
The Simplification and Agency of Government - Letter to all ministers
A joint letter from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the First Secretary of State, and the Attorney General to all ministers.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/09/2026
We are excited to announce that our new Substack, The Write-Round, is now live! This will be a space for IfG staff to share their thoughts, observations and takes on everything UK government – so check it out, and subscribe for updates at: instituteforgov.substack.com
instituteforgov.substack.com
The Write-Round | Substack
A Substack from the Institute for Government. Click to read The Write-Round, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 17/08/2026
The arrival of Andy Burnham as prime minister and a reshuffled ministerial team has meant that a new cohort of spads is forming. So how can the Burnham government's new special advisers get things done? We set out five tips www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spec...
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Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 14/08/2026
This is the coverage of Arday **just in the Telegraph** in the UK. This is only the first four pages of results, just in one outlet.
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Jason Arday found dead
2 hours ago — Mr Arday was found •unresponsive• at an address in Battersea. south London. on Froy
afternoon. He was uter pronounced dead at the scene. A Read rnore
Jason Arday says he was an illiterate, mute child. His .
6 hours ago — Jason Arday says he was an i&erate. mute child. Cambridge's youngest-ever black
professor in 2023. Arday attended from the age of four to 11
r— mm-WI 3
A PhD is no longer a sign of brilliance — take it from Dr Arday
1 day aeo — Juon Arday resigns from the Unwersity of Cambrdge after The Telegraph reports he had
falseb• claimed to have pubåshed a book
We are all Jason Arday now
S days ago — Jason Arday resons from the University of Cambridge after The Telegraph reports he had
falsew cGimed to have published a book Aug 7.2028. Read more
Cambridge professor claimed he was on Seven Up..
2 Aug 2026 — He was not bom until 1985. Prof Arday is at the centre of a row about academk
plagiarism after The Tekgragh that he had been accused
The Jason Arday 'memoir' that now appears to be more .
7 days ago — Instead of tales of triumph over adversity. the now-fomer Cambridge professors
autob"qraphy is a case study in self-rnythobgising,
Arday failed to mention 'months-long coma' in autobiography
8 days ago — Jason Arday toz publishers he was k•ft a three-month coma fohwhg a car gash. but
never wrote about the ordeal his memoirs_
Jason Arday is living proof that you reap what you sow
6 Aug 2028 — The Cambridge professor feed plagiarism alegations and made fantastical clä'ns about
his life. so what did he expect woUz happen? Read rmre
ÄIO
Arday 'accused student of Miite privilege' after she
4 days ago — Forrner Cambrdge professor alleged* htplied that Roehamptm student was racist after
cornplaint about essay SOOre.
Jason Arday is rnerely a symptom of the Leffs corruption
Aug 2026 — Lab-curs on school standards is on the same toxic assumptions that created his
academic career.
Cambridge hired Arday after 'listening to black stu…
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 13/08/2026
The arrival of Andy Burnham as prime minister and a reshuffled ministerial team has meant that a new cohort of spads is forming. So how can the Burnham government's new special advisers get things done? We set out five tips www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spec...
A bar chart from the Institute for Government to show the number and turnover of special advisers between 2010 and 2026.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
A new PM and a reshuffled ministerial team means that a process of hiring, firing and moving special advisers has been taking place behind the scenes. New comment piece from me and @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social with 5 tips for Labour's new spads, plus some analysis of the govt's recent spad data drop
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Five tips for Labour’s new special advisers | Institute for Government
How can spads in the Burnham government get things done?
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 12/08/2026
How can special advisers in the Burnham government get things done? @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social @meganbryer.bsky.social set out five tips for how spads can get the most out of their time in government www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spec...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Five tips for Labour’s new special advisers | Institute for Government
How can spads in the Burnham government get things done?
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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
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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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🚨NEW REPORT from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on government and academia How has the relationship changed? What does government still need to do to make the best of the UK’s leading research ecosystem? Thoughtful thoughts (and a link) from @teodorgrama.bsky.social below 👇👇
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me and @aliceolilly.bsky.social Burnham is right to identify parliament as a source of useful scrutiny rather than a problem to be managed, but fixing relations with MPs will require more than warm words and should be backed by bigger changes.
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Fixing relations with MPs will require more than warm words from Andy Burnham | Institute for Government
Andy Burnham should be prepared to redistribute power in Parliament.
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Teodor Grama @teodorgrama.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
For those who want a break from Burnham news… NEW @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out today by @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social, Saudamini Sigdel and I on how govt can better engage with researchers & bring their evidence, insights and expertise into policy making.
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Government and academia: How government can better engage with researchers | Institute for Government
Government has made great strides in opening itself up to inputs from the UK’s world-leading university sector – but it can do still more.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
New report out today from my colleagues on how the government can improve its approach to researcher engagement Will be of interest to academics interested in engaging with government! They've also done deep dives on ARIs, advisory groups, secondments, expert networks and What Works Centres
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🚨NEW REPORT from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on government and academia How has the relationship changed? What does government still need to do to make the best of the UK’s leading research ecosystem? Thoughtful thoughts (and a link) from @teodorgrama.bsky.social below 👇👇
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Philip Nye @philipnye.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
As cabinet appointments start to come in, a reminder that we (@instituteforgovernment.org.uk) hold a database of all ministerial appointments back to 1979 It's easy to look up all the previous holders of a post, all the roles someone has had etc: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-da...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
IfG Ministers Database | Institute for Government
Search our database of all government ministers since 1979.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The House of Commons is in recess (HoL at the end of this week) which means Burnham's government will get up and running with little oversight from parliament. A few options available:
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Dr Duncan Robertson @duncanrobertson.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
And, once again, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk ministerial resignation chart resets to zero. For now.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Resignations from cabinet ministers are now coming in thick and fast. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Justice Secretary David Lammy, Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Deputy PM David Lammy are leaving their posts.
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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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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
the second GOAT to go - some of the most interesting Starmer appointments are leaving.
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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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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The day’s first casualty: James Timpson resigns as prisons minister. This is a big surprise! Timpson had a long history as a prisons reformer before entering government and seen as one of Starmer’s more innovative & exciting appointments. He’s also delivered a big change programme in gov. So: why?
bbc.co.uk
Prisons minister Lord Timpson quits government
The businessman said it was an "honour" to serve in the post, but the BBC understands he feels he has achieved all he can in the role.
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Amber Dellar @amberdellar.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
NEW REPORT: how to make a success of SEND reform Government needs to get off the sidelines and build a SEND system that makes it easier for schools, councils and health services to work together. Our new report sets out how 🧵
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Joining up SEND | Institute for Government
How to begin fixing SEND by making the system more joined-up.
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Hannah Keenan @hannahkeenan.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Quite here for No.10 North (if that's what we're calling it). Loads of pitfalls, and I think you do need to keep quite a lot of centre of gov in your capital city, but there is a v good version of this which moves out Burnham priorities. Have written down some ideas on how to make it work 👇
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
No.10 North: Burnham needs to be clear-eyed about the purpose of his Manchester office | Institute for Government
An overwhelmed 10 Downing Street could be improved by creating No.10 North.
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IfG Academy @ifgacademy.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
👋 Meet the IfG Academy team! We’re kicking off a thread to introduce the people behind our work – what they do and what they’re passionate about. First up…
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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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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
With another prime minister being forced to resign it is worth looking at the role in the context of recent history Since Brown took power in 2007 there has been seven (soon to be eight) PMs - compare that to the previous 30 odd years where the UK had only 3 PMs @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, becoming the latest PM unable to see out a term in office But he won't stop being prime minister just yet - as the process to replace him gets underway Starmer will continue to man the ship as PM (but for how long depends on the Labour leadership contest)
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
With another prime minister being forced to resign it is worth looking at the role in the context of recent history Since Brown took power in 2007 there has been seven (soon to be eight) PMs - compare that to the previous 30 odd years where the UK had only 3 PMs @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, becoming the latest PM unable to see out a term in office But he won't stop being prime minister just yet - as the process to replace him gets underway Starmer will continue to man the ship as PM (but for how long depends on the Labour leadership contest)
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Shaina Sangha @shaina-sangha.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
TWO new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk reports out today from me, @nehaldavison.bsky.social, @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and @emma-conway.bsky.social on early years policy and what's needed to ensure boys from low-income families are not left behind. 🧵 tinyurl.com/99pcyskh tinyurl.com/4bcbyyfz
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Early years policy making: How can government ensure that boys from low-income families are not left behind during delivery? | Institute for Government
The government’s early years target is doing little to incentivise the system to focus on boys from low-income families.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The violent attacks in Belfast have been horrendous. With family there, it’s hard to know what to say. But @timdurrant.bsky.social and I have been looking at how ministers can lead during and after a crisis - and why it matters that the underlying issues aren’t all the same as the rest of the UK
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The violent disorder in Belfast is a test of leadership and governance | Institute for Government
A misjudged ministerial response in Northern Ireland risks being ineffective or even counter productive.
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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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 11/06/2026
What can ministers learn from their predecessors' work with the civil service? Our paper draws on the IfG's Ministers Reflect archive to share lessons from former ministers on how to get the most out of working with the civil service: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Ministers reflect on the civil service | Institute for Government
What can ministers learn from their predecessors' work with the civil service?
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
A short piece from me in Civil Service World this week outlining the key arguments from mine and @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social's new paper on the relationship between ministers and the civil service. We draw on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's fantastic Ministers Reflect archive... Read below!
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Great piece by @meganbryer.bsky.social on our new paper on ministers & the civil service drawing on @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Ministers Reflect interviews What do ministers like about the civil service, what do they dislike & how could this relationship work better? Read more about it 👇
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 09/06/2026
What can ministers learn from their predecessors' work with the civil service? Our paper draws on the IfG's Ministers Reflect archive to share lessons from former ministers on how to get the most out of working with the civil service: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Ministers reflect on the civil service | Institute for Government
What can ministers learn from their predecessors' work with the civil service?
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
ICYMI: Great thread from Megan looking at her and @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social's latest paper from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, on what ministers have told us about their views on the civil service
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Government plan to use parliament to protect against judicial review for clean energy infrastructure This could help speed up infrastructure, but reforms won't be easy to implement and should be accompanied by a wider assessment of parliament's role in infrastructure Some thoughts from me 👇
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 04/06/2026
The government is seeking a quick solution for its infrastructure frustrations. But attempts to let parliament fast-track its infrastructure plans should come with a wider reform, including of the hybrid bill process, says @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Government should approach reducing risk of judicial review with care | Institute for Government
The government is seeking a quick solution for its infrastructure frustrations.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 04/06/2026
NEW | Ministers reflect on the civil service The ministerial–civil service relationship has been strained in recent years. Our report shares lessons from former ministers on how to get the most out of working with the civil service www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
A quote image from Jeremy Hunt. The quote reads:

"I did have a problem with civil servants not having the confidence to speak out when they thought that one of my ideas was barmy. So that's why I always try really hard to encourage people to speak out."
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
With the new cabinet secretary, Antonia Romeo, recently marking her 100th day in the role, we argue that current ministers and civil servants should use this moment to rebuild the relationship between them.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
A new paper published today by @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me draws on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's archive of interviews with former ministers to set out, in ministers’ own words, their experience of working with the civil service... 🧵 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Ministers reflect on the civil service | Institute for Government
What can ministers learn from their predecessors' work with the civil service?
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Whether a tepid bath or another tortured metaphor, ministers have lots to say about the civil service Why are ministers frustrated? What do they like about it? How they can get the best out of it? Read this @instituteforgovernment.org.uk paper by @meganbryer.bsky.social and me to find out more 👇👇
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Government plan to use parliament to protect against judicial review for clean energy infrastructure This could help speed up infrastructure, but reforms won't be easy to implement and should be accompanied by a wider assessment of parliament's role in infrastructure Some thoughts from me 👇
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
A new piece from @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and me on Danny Kruger’s plans for the centre of government under Reform UK Some useful proposals, some mistakes, but based on a fundamental misdiagnosis www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/dann...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Danny Kruger will only fix the centre of government if he works out why it’s broken | Institute for Government
Reform UK are yet to understand the complex realities of power inside government.
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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Areas of Research Interest are so useful to academics and experts outside of government who are keen to use their research to inform policy making- if that’s you, do take a look at these new ones from DCMS!
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Health secretary Wes Streeting has just resigned from government, writing in his resignation letter that he has lost confidence in the PM - "where we need vision, we have vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift". We're live updating our chart here at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Health innovation and safety minister Zubir Ahmed becomes the fourth minister to resign today, writing that "the public across the UK has now irretrievably lost confidence" in Starmer as prime minister. See our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk ministerial resignations chart for the latest:
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