The figures are now in, and they confirm what any sensible person already suspected.  Under a Labour government obsessed with its own self-congratulation, the bureaucratic apparatus is simply getting fatter. ​ We learn, without any great shock, that the number of civil servants deemed worthy of a six-figure salary has absolutely soared since Sir Keir Starmer took up residence in Downing Street. The increase is not a modest adjustment, but a jump of almost 20 per cent in just a single year. ​ Specifically, the Whitehall elite earning £100,000 or more ballooned from 2,810 to a staggering 3,350 in the middle of this year, a tidy 19.2 per cent inflation of the public payroll.  This isn't merely a spreading of the wealth. It is a stratospheric rise at the very top.  Consider the core group on £150,000+, that cohort has seen a truly astonishing 38 per cent increase, rising from 290 to 400 individuals now commanding salaries that should, by any measure, sig...

In a significant change to his Downing Street team, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Darren Jones as his new Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister .  This role, announced by a Downing Street spokesperson, will involve leading the day-to-day delivery of Starmer's policy agenda.  Jones previously served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. As part of this minor reshuffle, James Murray has been promoted to take over Jones's old position as Chief Secretary to the Treasury .   Dan Tomlinson , a Labour MP elected last year, will fill Murray's previous role as a Treasury minister. Several other key appointments were made to the Prime Minister's team as Parliament returns from summer recess: Tim Allan , a former adviser to Tony Blair, has been named executive director of government communications . Baroness Minouche Shafik , former deputy governor of the Bank of England, is now the Prime Minister's new economics adviser . These changes come at a time when the gove...

Advance UK is a newly formed political party led by Ben Habib , the former Deputy Leader of Reform UK. The party was founded on 30 June 2025 Advance UK... Go to Advance UK Website Go to Advance UK Membership A New Chapter for British Politics: The Rise of Ben Habib and Advance UK In the ever-shifting landscape of British politics, a new voice has emerged from the right: Benyamin "Ben" Habib. My team and I have been working furiously for the last few months to establish the foundations of a political party which is capable of saving our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 🇬🇧. I am delighted to launch that party today: Advance UK. The party will… pic.twitter.com/CDMLyCeAhz — Ben Habib (@benhabib6) June 30, 2025 A seasoned businessman and former politician, Habib has stepped into the spotlight as the leader of the newly formed political party, Advance UK. This move marks a significant new chapter in his career and for the political right in th...

Starmer's First Year: The Great Unravelling – A Reckoning with Reality One year on. Twelve months since the carefully constructed facade of "change" was hoisted upon a weary nation, and Keir Starmer, with all the conviction of a man reading from a teleprompter, took residence in Downing Street. The fanfare, for those who bothered to listen, quickly faded. What remains is not the promised new dawn, but the chilling dawn of a grim reality: a Britain further enmeshed in decay, governed by a regime of indecision, punitive taxation, economic stagnation, and a staggering capitulation to the very forces that undermine our societal fabric. The U-Turn Tango: A Study in Political Cowardice If Starmer's premiership were to be distilled into a single, defining characteristic, it would be the U-turn. Not merely a pragmatic adjustment, but a surrender; a pathetic waltz choreographed by focus groups and dictated by the loudest voices of dissent. The welfare reform bill stands as a...

The ascendancy of Reform UK is undeniable. The party is no longer just a fringe voice. It's a national phenomenon, currently leading the charge in opinion polls with a remarkable 30% support.  This isn't just an English story. Reform is making significant inroads across the United Kingdom, challenging the old guard and rewriting the political map. We witnessed this firsthand in the recent Scottish by-election for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.  While Labour ultimately secured the seat, it was on a significantly reduced share compared to the SNP's substantial loss.  Reform UK, however, surged to clinch third place, gaining over 7,000 votes and a 26% vote share, their best ever parliamentary election result in Scotland.  This was a profound statement, demonstrating Reform's ability to resonate even in areas traditionally hostile to their message. Similarly, in Wales, Reform UK is rapidly gaining traction.  Recent polling suggests they could become a major forc...

As the traditional pillars of British politics continue to fracture, Reform UK is emerging as a formidable force, no longer content to merely nip at the heels of the established order but instead threatening to fundamentally reshape the nation's political topography.  People are fed up of the current continuation of a High Tax/ Low Growth Economy. What began as a protest movement, born of disillusionment with conventional Conservatism, has matured into a genuine contender, attracting an increasingly broad swathe of voters disillusioned with the status quo. For decades, the two-party system has been the bedrock of Westminster, a comforting if sometimes predictable rhythm.  Yet, the seismic shocks of Brexit, compounded by a series of unprecedented national and international crises, have eroded public trust in both Labour and Conservative administrations. It is into this fertile ground of disaffection that Reform UK has planted its roots, and they are now blossoming with an aston...

Zia Yusuf’s sudden resignation as Reform UK Chairman on June 5, 2025, after just 11 months.  The past 24 hours were pure chaos, sparked by Sarah Pochin’s “dumb” burqa ban question at PMQs, which Zia slammed on X while hyping his DOGE project.  His abrupt exit, citing he no longer believes in getting a Reform government elected and as a poor use of his time, exposed deep party rifts.  Nigel Farage praised Zia’s role in boosting polling to 30%, but I see this as vindication for Rupert Lowe. After Zia’s clash with Lowe led to his suspension and a failed CPS case, Lowe’s now standing tall. Reform’s infighting is a mess, and with Zia and his DOGE buddy Nathaniel Friedman gone, I’m wondering what’s next for the party. Zia Yusuf has announced he is returning to Reform UK just 48 hours after quitting as the party’s chair.  The businessman, who said his decision to leave was an error that came as the result of exhaustion, will take up a new role in the party following peace t...

Thursday, May 1st: United Kingdom local elections take place. Reform UK achieves significant gains, winning 677 of around 1,600 contested seats in the English local elections. Their gains primarily come at the expense of the Conservatives. Reform UK also wins the Runcorn and Helsby by-election and the Lincolnshire mayoral election. The Liberal Democrats gain an additional 160 seats and take control of Oxfordshire, Shropshire, and Cambridgeshire County Councils. Sunday, May 4th: Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch tells the BBC that a change of leader would not "fix everything" after the party's heavy local election losses, stating the Conservatives will "come out fighting." Monday, May 5th: Reform UK is forced to clarify that county standards will continue to fly from council buildings in councils they control. This follows controversy after chairman Zia Yusuf stated only the Union Flag and St George's Flag would be permitted. Donna Edm...

 Dear [MP's Name], I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the recent trade deal with India, and its potential impact on British workers. I understand the government's aim to foster stronger trade relationships and boost the economy. However, I am deeply troubled by aspects of this deal that appear to disadvantage British workers and create an uneven playing field. Specifically, I am very concerned about the provisions that exempt Indian workers from paying National Insurance contributions for a period of time. My understanding is that this could incentivise employers to hire workers from India over British workers, as they represent a lower cost due to the absence of these contributions. British workers are required to pay National Insurance, contributing to vital services such as the NHS and state pensions. It seems fundamentally unfair that foreign workers, even if temporarily employed, are not held to the same financial obligations. This creates a situation wh...

Voters in some parts of England will elect councillors and mayors on Thursday 1 May. These are the first local elections since the general election was held in July 2024. Elections are taking place in 23 councils across England. No routine elections are taking place in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Responsible for: Roads and footpaths Libraries Household waste disposal Schools Adult and children's social care All seats will be contested in: 14 county councils :  Cambridgeshire 2025 election results for Cambridgeshire County Council. Following polling day yesterday, Thursday (1 May), votes for the County Council election are being counted today, Friday (2 May). Once the results for each division are declared , they will be published on their website . Derbyshire 2025 election results for Derbyshire County Council. Following polling day yesterday, Thursday (1 May), votes for the County Council election are being counted today, Friday (2 May). Once the results for each division...