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Harriet Shaw

@shawharriet.bsky.social
440 followers 264 following 55 posts

Researcher (devolution) @instituteforgovernment

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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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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Mayors will be key to delivering Burnham’s council housebuilding ambitions. Our recent DevoLab briefing explores how mayors are using their powers to boost the supply of affordable homes and the lessons that can be learned. New comment ⤵️ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Mayors will be key to Burnham’s housing ambitions | Institute for Government
What the IfG DevoLab tells us about regional mayors and housing.
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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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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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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Some thoughts on the government's devo announcement today: Overall, this is a great start on the govt's flagship agenda 1/
gov.uk
Rewiring the State – Cabinet Statement (HTML)
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The government's cabinet statement on devolution is out and it goes further than what was trailed overnight. Some initial thoughts 👇🧵 www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Rewiring the State – Cabinet Statement (HTML)
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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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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
It's a big day for devo nerds. With reports of new powers making headlines and the GMCA by-election results also landing. But as Matthew sets out below, delivering on Burnham's ambitions will require some careful thinking about how to complete the devolution map 👇🗺️
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
One week in and Andy Burnham's government is up and running. So who are the new ministers and what do Burnham's appointments tell us about how he wants to run his govt? Here's our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk top 6 takeaways - with @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and @philipnye.bsky.social 🧵...
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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 27/07/2026
EVENT | Andy Burnham: How is the new prime minister changing the direction of government? 📅Thursday 30 July 2026, 13:00-13:50 Join us online as an expert panel assesses Andy Burnham's early decisions, his key appointments, and the way he is approaching the job of prime minister.
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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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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New announcement on machinery of government changes today including moving local growth and devo strategy from MHCLG and local economic growth from HMT into No 10 North Could be a great opportunity to get to grips properly with local growth funding slightly removed from all the usual incentives
Text says "To ensure places are at the very heart of government strategy, the Prime Minister is establishing No.10 North as the engine room of devolution and good growth in every postcode, across government and the wider economy. This will include targeted transfers of overarching strategic functions: moving local economic growth and devolution strategy from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and local economic growth policy from HM Treasury directly into No 10 North. These departments will continue to exercise some remaining functions in these areas. This ensures that local economic growth policy and regional empowerment are no longer isolated from one another, establishing No 10 North as the dominant driver of the UK’s economy."
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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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Stuart Hoddinott @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Burnham inherits a tricky fiscal situation. That may become tougher still, with a worsening forecast and expensive policy ambitions We argue that, while politically tricky, he should consider ditching Starmer and Reeves' tax lock pledge, which tied their hands More from us 👇
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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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 25/06/2026
EVENT | IfG DevoLab #6: How can mayors support a just climate transition? 📅Tuesday 14 July 2026, 17:30-19:00 Join us at the Institute for Government to explore how mayors and local leaders can use devolved powers to support a just climate transition.
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Our DevoLab event in Sheffield next week couldn’t feel better timed. Devolution is firmly at the top of the agenda - and the momentum already building looks set to accelerate.
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
10 years ago I was organising a barbecue for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk staff to watch the result of the referendum. The IfG had acted until then as though the EU did not exist. After the referendum we built a fantastic team which I had the privilege of leading for 2 years
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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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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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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
DevoLab is heading to Sheffield. Join us on 2 July to explore how mayors and local leaders can create a shared vision for growth. The event brings together themes from across the series. We'll discuss not just what it takes to set a vision, but to embed it across a region and sustain it over time.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
John Healey becomes the 19th minister to resign from Keir Starmer's government. Here's a handy recap of all 19 and why they resigned. Read our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer on ministerial resignations for more info! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mi...
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The 12th July is just over a month away and the lead up starts weeks before. If the UK government and NI executive don't get a grip on this asap it will roll into July, and escalate in Northern Ireland. This is a real test of leadership for both.
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
1/ I’ve set out why recent local election gains by opposition parties – especially Reform UK – could make it harder for Labour mayors in the North and Midlands to get things done. A quick thread 🧵
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
For anyone looking for something to listen to in the sun this weekend, do check out this podcast from my brilliant colleague @matthewfright.bsky.social where he explores how the local elections might impact the LGR process.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 22/05/2026
What might the Makerfield by-election mean for the Labour party leadership? Our flowchart explores the potential Labour leadership challenges. Read our explainer to find out more about how a Labour Party leadership contest works 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/la...
An infographic to show the potential Labour leadership challenges following the Makerfield by-election
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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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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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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Last weeks elections may feel like quite a long time ago for some... but there's still loads to dissect. @meganisaac.bsky.social has set out thoughts from across the IfG below (with lots of lovely charts).
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
10 things we learned in the King's Speech, from across the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Lots of interesting insights and analysis from across the - really quite broad - range of plans from the government.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 14/05/2026
Westminster should watch closely as Wales and Scotland show how minority government can work Cooperation, consultation and concession are key to minority government success, says @akashpaun.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/wale...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Westminster should watch closely as Wales and Scotland show how minority government can work | Institute for Government
Cooperation, consultation and concession are key to minority government success.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
4 quick thoughts on the King's Speech 1) It's BIG - 37 bills in the background briefing including carried over and draft bills Very unusual for a second parliamentary session - it's very unlikely all of these will end up on the statute book by the end of the session
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Miatta Fahnbulleh - the minister for devolution, faith and communities - has resigned from govt this morning, calling on the PM to set a timetable for an orderly transition of leadership. Our ministerial resignation tracker has the latest info... docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 11/05/2026
The fracturing of British politics is a phenomenon that is here to stay How Britain is governed is a question that has only been made more complicated by the latest local and devolved election results, writes @drhannahwhite.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/sign...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The significance of the 2026 elections for UK government | Institute for Government
The fracturing of British politics is a phenomenon that is here to stay.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 08/05/2026
Ahead of the devolved elections, the Scottish and Welsh parties set out competing visions for independence and further devolution. So what could this mean for Westminster–devolved relations? @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social explore www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/wale...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The next Scottish and Welsh governments are likely to put constitutional change back on the agenda | Institute for Government
The results of Thursday's elections could increase strain on Westminster–devolved relations.
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Polls are open till 22:00 for the Senedd, Scottish Parliament and English local elections. To find out more details about the elections head over to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk local and devolved elections hub www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-work/top...
An English polling station at a local public library
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/05/2026
EVENT | What will the 2026 devolved elections mean for Scotland, Wales and the UK? 📆Wednesday 06 May 2026 (tomorrow), 17:30-18:30 Join us before the devolved elections in Wales and Scotland, as we discuss what the results may mean for how they are governed, and how this will impact Westminster.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/05/2026
In one week, local elections will be taking place across the country Ministers should take the opportunity of LGR to introduce all-out elections for all councils in place of elections by third and halves www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The government should abolish outdated ‘by thirds’ council elections | Institute for Government
Next week’s local elections should be the last to feature by-thirds votes
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 28/04/2026
EVENT | Local and devolved elections 2026: Who won, who lost and what next? 📆Friday 08 May 2026, 16:00-17:00 Join us online to reflect on the local and devolved election results, including the implications on local government reorganisation and devolution plans.
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Our new IfG report explores what a better system of employment support for people out of work due to ill health could look like. DWP's centralised approach to date has some strengths, but has limited integration with other services and the innovation needed to better understand what works 🧵
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Daniel Howes @howesdaniel.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
In a first for the IfG, @meganbryer.bsky.social and I have translated two pieces about the upcoming Welsh and Scottish elections into Cymraeg! 1/🧵
media.tenor.com
a red dragon on a green and white flag
ALT: a red dragon on a green and white flag
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
1/ As the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill nears the end of its passage through Parliament, I reflect on its introduction of a new health duty for mayors. 🧵👇
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
A genuinely big announcement on English devolution from Rachel Reeves today! As we at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk alongside others have argued fiscal devolution was a missing piece of the puzzle in the government's devolution white paper.
A Guardian Live blog entry that says: Reeves asks officials to draw up plans for fiscal devolution
Boom! Rachel Reeves then tells her audience that she has asked the Treasury to work with mayors and businesses to develop a roadmap for future fiscal devolution.

This plan will be published at this year’s budget.

It will set out plans to give regional leaders control of a share of some national taxes – which Reeves points out have long been allocated by central governments. It will include income tax, she suggests.

The chancellor says these reforms will begin with places which have the greatest capacity to deliver them and the greatest potential to benefit.

She insists that it is “not about new taxes, and it’s not about higher tax”, promising “I will not ask taxpayers to pay more”.

These reforms will be fiscally neutral, focused on sharing and retaining a portion of existing revenues with the places that generated them, she says.

Reeves promises:

These reforms will represent a permanent transfer of power and resources, not another exercise in local ambition.

Taxpayers will be able to see what is being delivered with their money and hold local leaders to account for the results, she insists.

She calls it “a genuine break with the past”, calling it:

A generational opportunity for Britain’s regions to make their own future.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 16/03/2026
TODAY | In conversation with Malcolm Offord, Lord Offord of Garvel, Leader of Reform UK Scotland Join us live at 12:30 to hear Malcolm Offord discuss Reform UK’s vision for Scotland ahead of the 2026 Scottish parliament election www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/lord-m...
An image ad for an Institute for Government event.

In conversation with Malcolm Offord, Lord Offord of Garvel, Leader of Reform UK Scotland
Monday 16 March 2026, 12:30 — 13:15 (GMT)
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 11/03/2026
Interested in helping the IfG to achieve wider audience engagement with their work? We are looking for a Marketing Executive to join our communications team. Applications are open until Sunday 12 April – find our more about the role www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
A job ad for a Marketing Executive at the Institute for Government.

Salary: £33,000-40,000 per annum

Deadline: Sunday 12 April, 23:00
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 10/03/2026
EVENT | With a few weeks to go before the Scottish parliament election, join us on Monday 16 March for an in conversation with Reform UK leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord. He will discuss Reform's vision for Scotland with @akashpaun.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/lord-m...
An image ad for an Institute for Government event.

In conversation with Malcolm Offord, Lord Offord of Garvel, Leader of Reform UK Scotland
Monday 16 March 2026, 12:30 — 13:15 (GMT)
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