Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 17/07/2026This was lots of fun - will be very interesting to see what the next few days hold... 111
Reposted by Tim DurrantJill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 15/07/2026People want to take functions away from HM Treasury. I want to give it a new one - getting the UK's act together on climate adaptation www.ft.com/content/2789... (£) - much more than an environment issue..ft.comThe UK is forgetting the dull bit of climate change policyAdaptation has never been the priority, but this summer’s heat is a message that the Treasury needs to act 19127
Reposted by Tim DurrantBen Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 15/07/2026If Burnham wants to do welfare reform, then No.10 must help navigate the big trade-offs (not just leave this to HMT/DWP). Putting senior people in No.10 who understand just how difficult that is should help (Cooke was a DWP adviser with Purnell 2008-09, then DWP SpAd in 2024 before moving to No.10) 21410
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 15/07/2026Andy Burnham faces many big choices as he prepares to enter No10. One of the lower-profile, but potentially most consequential, is how he responds to last week's @ethicsandintegrity.bsky.social report on lobbying... I've been having a look at his options for @instituteforgovernment.org.ukinstituteforgovernment.org.ukAndy Burnham can make his immediate mark on ethics in public life | Institute for GovernmentThe Ethics and Integrity Commission has provided Andy Burnham with a shopping list of options for improving integrity in public life. 164
Reposted by Tim DurrantAlice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 15/07/2026It's England's world cup semi-finals day. Forget team selection dilemmas and xG analysis. What you really want is a really nerdy deep-dive into football, pub opening hours, and what they tell you about the most important form of legislation that you may never have heard of. Let's go. 23622
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 15/07/2026Our conference on Regulation in a changing world will be starting in 10 minutes.🚨📺 Tune in for our first session, including a welcome from @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and keynote speech by @blairmcdougall.com. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/regula... 003
Reposted by Tim DurrantAmber Dellar @amberdellar.bsky.social · 15/07/2026NEW 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.ukJoining up SEND | Institute for GovernmentHow to begin fixing SEND by making the system more joined-up. 42115
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 14/07/2026At our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event with Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader says parliamentary committees should call the new cabinet over the summer - with the Liaison Committee calling the new PM in the next week or two. I kind of agree - am I a Lib Dem now? 091
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 14/07/2026Having taken at least two years to learn how to spell Keir, it turns out I regularly struggle to type B̶u̶n̶h̶a̶m̶ B̶r̶u̶n̶h̶a̶m̶ ̶ Burnham 052
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 13/07/2026With one week to go until Burnham becomes PM, I've been looking ahead to his first reshuffle - obviously he'll want to signal that he's doing politics differently by bringing in different people to his top team, but beyond that I think he should be careful about moving too many people around...instituteforgovernment.org.ukBurnham’s first reshuffle should resist a sweeping change of junior ministers | Institute for GovernmentBeyond refreshing his Cabinet, keeping most ministers in their current roles is Burnham’s best chance of getting things done in government. 1102
Reposted by Tim DurrantJack Burrows-Worlidge @jackworlidge.bsky.social · 13/07/2026The essential @instituteforgovernment.org.uk take on the Starmer premiership. We look at his record across state reform, public services and more. But also at how he approached being prime minister, where he went wrong and why. Ultimately, a government characterised by missed opportunities. 032
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Keir 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/... 3138
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 13/07/2026PODCAST 🎙️ Burnham, Binface and Starmer's final flight Reform UK may have dominated headlines, but Westminster's attention is turning to a far bigger political moment: the arrival of Britain's next PM The IfG's experts are in the studio to discuss www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...instituteforgovernment.org.ukBurnham, Binface and Starmer's final flight | Institute for GovernmentThe IfG's experts are in the studio to discuss the arrival of Britain's next prime minister. 001
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 10/07/2026Looks like a really interesting read and tallies with a lot of what we've said at IfG - will read the whole post with interest. Let's hope Burnham and team are learning these lessons too... 010
Reposted by Tim DurrantCath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Ok seen a few of these stories now. It's weird, given how many mid-term changes of PM we have had lately, that people don't remember they don't have shadow cabinets and there are many reasons they literally can't 'appoint' their picks before actually becoming PM. www.ft.com/content/66ad...ft.comAndy Burnham warned over lack of cabinet as Number 10 transition talks step upProspective Labour prime minister could take office as soon as July 20 410539
Reposted by Tim DurrantBen Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Good decision by Burnham (if true). He needs to prioritise improving the centre of govt and economic/fiscal policy making, but splitting the Treasury would be a damaging distraction (set up a bolstered PM dept, have a bold tax strategy and improve the SR instead) www.ft.com/content/61c0...ft.comAndy Burnham rules out splitting Treasury to avoid disruptionLikely next prime minister has been rethinking Britain’s economic levers to promote regional growth 2197
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 04/07/2026Most of my BlueSky is about football rather than Pride and I can’t help but feel something has gone wrong somewhere 2120
Reposted by Tim DurrantJill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 03/07/2026Last week #Brexitcast's Adam Fleming joined @anandmenon.bsky.social @ukandeu.bsky.social and me for a special #Brexitatten edition of @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Inside Briefing.. reflections on the last ten years - and some thoughts on where next www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/brex...instituteforgovernment.org.ukBrexit at 10: A decade of drama, deals and disruption | Institute for GovernmentThe IfG's Jill Rutter, UKICE's Anand Menon and the BBC's Adam Fleming reflect on 10 years of key Brexit moments. 264
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Great panel discussion getting underway @instituteforgovernment.org.uk about the future of the Foreign Office - watch along at www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/diplom... 011
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Wouldn't dare to claim as much experience as Ciaran or Gus, and definitely not the two of them together, which is why it's great to see them come to the same conclusion I did for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk a couple of weeks ago: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/usin... 2188
Reposted by Tim DurrantMegan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 02/07/2026This week, Andy Burnham promised to deliver “growth in every postcode” and argued that growth requires "a clear shared vision that everyone can understand and investors can back”. So how can mayors and local leaders develop a shared vision for growth? Our event today explores precisely that⬇️ 022
Reposted by Tim DurrantHeloise Dunlop @hcdunlop.bsky.social · 02/07/2026👇It was fascinating to co-author this report on delivering digital transformation in public services and pull out the 7 lessons for future leaders of digital transformation to keep in mind: 032
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/07/2026EVENT | Integrating diplomacy and development: How does the Foreign Office set itself up for success? 📅Today, 12:30-13:30 Join us today as an expert panel explores the challenges and opportunities facing the FCDO, drawing on the IfG’s existing and ongoing research and commentary. 112
Reposted by Tim DurrantCath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Does* Andy Burnham have a mandate? Constitutionally, yes. The debate is conflating the constitutional mandate and the right to be PM, with the political mandate PMs need to sustain themselves in office New from me www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/does... *Will heinstituteforgovernment.org.ukDoes Andy Burnham have a mandate? | Institute for GovernmentLabour’s opponents are demanding that the next prime minister call an early general election. 54217
Reposted by Tim DurrantRebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 01/07/2026A cut out and keep guide from @cathhaddon.bsky.social for next time some asks if Andy Burnham (read any new leader of the governing party) has a "mandate" to be prime minister. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/does...instituteforgovernment.org.ukDoes Andy Burnham have a mandate? | Institute for GovernmentLabour’s opponents are demanding that the next prime minister call an early general election. 121
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/07/2026Effective transitions of prime minister: lessons for Andy Burnham To make a success of his transition to power, Andy Burnham must learn from the experience of previous prime ministers www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/effe...instituteforgovernment.org.ukEffective transitions of prime minister: lessons for Andy Burnham | Institute for GovernmentAndy Burnham needs to be ruthless with his time and priorities in his preparations for power 001
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/06/2026PODCAST 🎙️ Brexit at 10: A decade of drama, deals and disruption @adamfleming.bsky.social joins @jillongovt.bsky.social @anandmenon.bsky.social to look back on 10 years of key Brexit moments and explore what they told us about Britain and the world www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/brex... 065
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/06/2026WEBINAR | Andy Burnham: What to expect from the next PM? 📅Today, 13:15–14:00 Join us online today as an IfG expert webinar explores Andy Burnham’s preparations for No.10, including an analysis of what kind of government he would lead. 104
Reposted by Tim Durrantakashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 29/06/2026What did we learn from @andyburnham.bsky.social 's big devolution speech in Manchester today? See my insta-take on BBC News below (with apologies for the messy domestic backdrop!) www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GV5...youtube.comAndy Burnham speech - Akash Paun, BBC NewsYouTube video by Institute for Government 043
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 29/06/2026As we start to see what the Burnham plan for government looks like, my fab colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are working out how it can all work - take a read! (One unanswered question: what will the inevitable acronym be? No10N? 10N? N10N?) 272
Reposted by Tim DurrantThomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 29/06/2026I enjoyed speaking to @dantomlinson.bsky.social at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk this morning about how he is delivering improved taxpayer experience and digital transformation at HMRC. If you missed his speech and our conversation, watch it here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/dan-to...instituteforgovernment.org.uk 001
Reposted by Tim DurrantMegan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 29/06/2026Join us in Sheffield (and online) this Thursday for a very timely discussion about how devolved and local leaders can create a shared vision for growth in their regions⬇️ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...instituteforgovernment.org.ukIfG DevoLab #5: How can mayors and local leaders create a shared vision for regional growth? | Institute for GovernmentJoin us in Sheffield to explore how mayors and local leaders can work together to create a shared vision for growth in their region. 035
Reposted by Tim DurrantJill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 29/06/2026a joint @instituteforgovernment.org.uk @ukandeu.bsky.social production - @anandmenon.bsky.social BBC's Adam Fleming and I came together to reflect on 10+ years of Brexit - nerd heaven www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/brex...instituteforgovernment.org.ukBrexit at 10: A decade of drama, deals and disruption | Institute for GovernmentThe IfG's Jill Rutter, UKICE's Anand Menon and the BBC's Adam Fleming reflect on 10 years of key Brexit moments. 0158
Reposted by Tim DurrantIfG 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… 159
Reposted by Tim DurrantInstitute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 29/06/2026EVENT | Integrating diplomacy and development: How does the Foreign Office set itself up for success? 📅Thursday 02 July 2026, 12:30-13:30 Join us as an expert panel explores the challenges and opportunities facing the FCDO, drawing on the IfG’s existing and ongoing research and commentary. 122
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 29/06/2026“An extended operation” - does that mean a bigger, more strategic PM’s department, as @instituteforgovernment.org.uk has recommended? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...instituteforgovernment.org.ukAndy Burnham must sort out the centre of government on day one | Institute for GovernmentA weak No.10 and ineffective Cabinet Office require urgent attention 041
Reposted by Tim DurrantHannah White @drhannahwhite.bsky.social · 29/06/2026Just how useful is having been a mayor for taking on the role of PM? Great new paper from @timdurrant.bsky.social @tompope.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...instituteforgovernment.org.ukFrom mayor to prime minister | Institute for GovernmentDoes Andy Burnham’s experience as a regional mayor prepare him for No.10? 223
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 27/06/2026Just what we need from our next government www.theguardian.com/politics/202... 000
Reposted by Tim DurrantThomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Latest from me and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Burnham might be mulling breaking up the Treasury. He’s right to want to reform the centre, but no.10 and cabinet office should be his focus. HMT reorg would be a distraction and would not fix underlying problems 21914
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 26/06/2026I know failing to adjudicate in disagreements *between* departments has been a recurring theme in Starmer's premiership, but this failure to adjudicate in one *within* a department (in which, let's be clear, nobody comes out looking good) is further proof that the heat is getting to everyonetheguardian.comHome secretary restricts minister’s access to documents as she calls for his sackingRow between Shabana Mahmood and Mike Tapp broke out after he wrote unauthorised article about migration 34612
Reposted by Tim DurrantThomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Great thread from Tim on our new piece looking at how the mayor and PM roles compare. It's short, so do give the full piece a read! 011
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Within 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.ukFrom mayor to prime minister | Institute for GovernmentDoes Andy Burnham’s experience as a regional mayor prepare him for No.10? 21010
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 26/06/2026IfG setting up in Sheffield ready for when the PM moves No10 to the actual best city in the north 281
Reposted by Tim DurrantPoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 26/06/2026🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 Why do we keep ditching PMs? 💼 The IFG's @hannahkeenan.bsky.social, Re:State's @jo3hill.bsky.social and former Private Secretary to two PMs @carolineslocock.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss what keeps going wrong at No10 🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/43a210 033
Reposted by Tim DurrantCath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 25/06/2026One benefit of having had so many recent changes of PM is Burnham is not lacking in lessons from previous transitions. @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and I distil those lessons for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/effe...instituteforgovernment.org.ukEffective transitions of prime minister: lessons for Andy Burnham | Institute for GovernmentAndy Burnham needs to be ruthless with his time and priorities in his preparations for power 321
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 25/06/2026This discussion is just getting going- definitely worth tuning in! 011
Reposted by Tim DurrantCassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026Really positive sign that the backlog of cases in the crown court is stabilising - very much contrary to expectations! The number of open cases held steady at around 80,000 cases from Dec 2025 to March 2026. Suggests removing the cap on how many days courts are in session is having a real impact. 2206
Reposted by Tim DurrantJill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 25/06/2026mad at the taxman? worried about making tax digital? spent ages hanging on the helpline? or impressed at how easy filing self-assessment online now is? come along to hear HMT Minister @dantomlinson.bsky.social reflect on HMRC next Monday @instituteforgovernment.org.uk ! 135
Reposted by Tim DurrantThomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 25/06/2026I'm looking forward to speaking to @dantomlinson.bsky.social next Monday. Please do sign up to hear from the minister about transformation at HMRC 023
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Andy Burnham has announced that his former ministerial colleague James Purnell will be his chief of staff James spoke last year at an @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event - we've had a look to see how he might approach the CoS role. First up though, what has changed since he was last in govt: 264