Labour cuts welfare. Tories ditch Net Zero. Biggest short-term political winners: the Lib Dems. Long-term = net positive for Labour. Helps cement LD seats gained from CON in 2024. LDs get less attention than (less numerous) Reform MPs but they really matter to next GE.

An algorithm just dredged up my review of Nick Timothy MP 's book in 2020. I stand by my point that a post-referendum Tory govt that actually implemented Timothyism would have averted split on the Right and the rise of Reform. thecritic.co.uk/issues/may-202…

“The positioning here is to make them the ‘hang the paedos, fund the NHS’ party.” The “jury is still out” as to whether Nigel Farage can make Reform more than just a one-man party, says @JamesKirkup.

Instead of thanking Reeves for her realism, her colleagues would rather throw her under the bus. ✍️ James Kirkup buff.ly/ymmwckB

50 Herdwick ewes for sale - DM me for details

🧵SMF analysis of #GCSEResultsDay2025 Regional inequalities in attainment persist: 🟡72% of GCSEs taken by London pupils were graded at 4/C or above, vs just 63% in the West Midlands 🟡 London benefits from the highest % of grade 7s+ - while the North East has the lowest

✍️ Castigating the Deputy Prime Minister for buying a second home is just snobbery | Writes James Kirkup Read the full column below ⬇️ telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/2…

Keir Starmer will now appoint his fourth director of communications in five years

My latest for the Spectator - why Britain has the least generous state pension in the G7, and why this is a good thing. spectator.co.uk/article/why-br…

Huge congratulations to Dani for winning the Smart Thinking Awards' Researcher of the Year!🎉 Team SMF is so proud of Dani, and we know she'll continue to make a big impact in the world of education & social mobility.