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Tim Durrant

@timdurrant.bsky.social
6.4K followers 2K following 922 posts

Interested in how government works and how it can work better 🏳️‍🌈

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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
This was lots of fun - will be very interesting to see what the next few days hold...
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
People 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.com
The UK is forgetting the dull bit of climate change policy
Adaptation has never been the priority, but this summer’s heat is a message that the Treasury needs to act
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
If 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)
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Andy 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.uk
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham can make his immediate mark on ethics in public life | Institute for Government
The Ethics and Integrity Commission has provided Andy Burnham with a shopping list of options for improving integrity in public life.
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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
It'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.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 15/07/2026
Our 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...
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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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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
At 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?
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Having taken at least two years to learn how to spell Keir, it turns out I regularly struggle to type B̶u̶n̶h̶a̶m̶ B̶r̶u̶n̶h̶a̶m̶ ̶ Burnham
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
With 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.uk
Burnham’s first reshuffle should resist a sweeping change of junior ministers | Institute for Government
Beyond refreshing his Cabinet, keeping most ministers in their current roles is Burnham’s best chance of getting things done in government.
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Jack Burrows-Worlidge @jackworlidge.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The 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.
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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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 13/07/2026
PODCAST 🎙️ 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.uk
Burnham, Binface and Starmer's final flight | Institute for Government
The IfG's experts are in the studio to discuss the arrival of Britain's next prime minister.
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Looks 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...
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Ok 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.com
Andy Burnham warned over lack of cabinet as Number 10 transition talks step up
Prospective Labour prime minister could take office as soon as July 20
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Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Good 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.com
Andy Burnham rules out splitting Treasury to avoid disruption
Likely next prime minister has been rethinking Britain’s economic levers to promote regional growth
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Most of my BlueSky is about football rather than Pride and I can’t help but feel something has gone wrong somewhere
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Last 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.uk
Brexit at 10: A decade of drama, deals and disruption | Institute for Government
The IfG's Jill Rutter, UKICE's Anand Menon and the BBC's Adam Fleming reflect on 10 years of key Brexit moments.
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Great panel discussion getting underway @instituteforgovernment.org.uk about the future of the Foreign Office - watch along at www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/diplom...
A panel at the Institute for Government
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Wouldn'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...
Again, some want to see this as proof that Starmer and his team are behaving in nefarious ways. But government has always relied on communications that are not accessible to all and that leave no formal trace: the spoken word is the original disappearing message. Much of government happens informally, and there are good reasons for lots of information to remain protected. While WhatsApp is the latest technology that facilitates this communication, this will always be a feature of government and it is naïve to expect otherwise. What matters is that ministers take decisions on the basis of detailed advice, and that the nature of that advice and the resulting decision are properly recorded and communicated (and preserved for posterity). Using WhatsApp along the way, even with disappearing messages turned on, is not inherently a problem.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This 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⬇️
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Heloise 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:
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/07/2026
EVENT | 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.
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Does* 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 he
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Does Andy Burnham have a mandate? | Institute for Government
Labour’s opponents are demanding that the next prime minister call an early general election.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A 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.uk
Does Andy Burnham have a mandate? | Institute for Government
Labour’s opponents are demanding that the next prime minister call an early general election.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/07/2026
Effective 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.uk
Effective transitions of prime minister: lessons for Andy Burnham | Institute for Government
Andy Burnham needs to be ruthless with his time and priorities in his preparations for power
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/06/2026
PODCAST 🎙️ 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...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/06/2026
WEBINAR | 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.
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akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
What 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.com
Andy Burnham speech - Akash Paun, BBC News
YouTube video by Institute for Government
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
As 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?)
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
I 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
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Join 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.uk
IfG DevoLab #5: How can mayors and local leaders create a shared vision for regional growth? | Institute for Government
Join us in Sheffield to explore how mayors and local leaders can work together to create a shared vision for growth in their region.
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
a 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.uk
Brexit at 10: A decade of drama, deals and disruption | Institute for Government
The IfG's Jill Rutter, UKICE's Anand Menon and the BBC's Adam Fleming reflect on 10 years of key Brexit moments.
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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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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 29/06/2026
EVENT | 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.
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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.uk
Andy Burnham must sort out the centre of government on day one | Institute for Government
A weak No.10 and ineffective Cabinet Office require urgent attention
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Hannah White @drhannahwhite.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Just 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.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 · 27/06/2026
Just what we need from our next government www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The result was many different supporters working in silos. “It was lots of different players on the pitch, and they were all running around in their own little circles, because he didn’t actually captain the team,” one said.
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Latest 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
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
I 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 everyone
theguardian.com
Home secretary restricts minister’s access to documents as she calls for his sacking
Row between Shabana Mahmood and Mike Tapp broke out after he wrote unauthorised article about migration
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Great 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!
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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 · 26/06/2026
IfG setting up in Sheffield ready for when the PM moves No10 to the actual best city in the north
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PoliticsHome @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
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Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
One 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.uk
Effective transitions of prime minister: lessons for Andy Burnham | Institute for Government
Andy Burnham needs to be ruthless with his time and priorities in his preparations for power
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This discussion is just getting going- definitely worth tuning in!
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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Really 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.
A line chart from the Institute for Government showing open cases in the Crown Court, from Q1 2016 to Q1 2026. The number of actual cases declined gradually from around 48,000 in 2016 to 33,072 in 2019 Q1, before rising sharply during the pandemic to over 60,000 in 2021 and continuing to increase to 80,000 by the end of 2025. In the last quarter, the number of open cases has held steady at 80,000, the first time since the beginning of 2023 it has not risen.
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
mad 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 !
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I'm looking forward to speaking to @dantomlinson.bsky.social next Monday. Please do sign up to hear from the minister about transformation at HMRC
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Andy 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:
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