Adam Payne
@adampayne26.bsky.social
Editor of PoliticsHome. Sometimes heard on our weekly podcast, The Rundown. Contact me: adam.payne@politicshome.com & DMs.
Where Starmer's disastrous week leaves him — and his potential successors
Big, detailed PolHome read on what comes next, ft Rayner, Streeting, Carns ("Al-mentum") and the “wounded buffalo" PM
w/ @siennarodgers.bsky.social @matildamartin.bsky.social @zoecrowther.bsky.social & Harriet Symonds
Big, detailed PolHome read on what comes next, ft Rayner, Streeting, Carns ("Al-mentum") and the “wounded buffalo" PM
w/ @siennarodgers.bsky.social @matildamartin.bsky.social @zoecrowther.bsky.social & Harriet Symonds
Most Labour MPs Believe The Starmer Era Is Over – But No One Is Ready To Replace Him
After the worst week of Keir Starmer's premiership, many Labour MPs now regard his government as being in terminal decline. However, with seemingly...
www.politicshome.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Where Starmer's disastrous week leaves him — and his potential successors
Big, detailed PolHome read on what comes next, ft Rayner, Streeting, Carns ("Al-mentum") and the “wounded buffalo" PM
w/ @siennarodgers.bsky.social @matildamartin.bsky.social @zoecrowther.bsky.social & Harriet Symonds
Big, detailed PolHome read on what comes next, ft Rayner, Streeting, Carns ("Al-mentum") and the “wounded buffalo" PM
w/ @siennarodgers.bsky.social @matildamartin.bsky.social @zoecrowther.bsky.social & Harriet Symonds
Reposted by Adam Payne
Starmer's reported condition - incredibly unpopular, shorn of authority, probably un-reelectable and yet will stagger on for want of an alternative - is just the new normal of how Britain is governed. It was also true for two-thirds of May's premiership, half of Johnson's and all of Sunak's.
February 6, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Starmer's reported condition - incredibly unpopular, shorn of authority, probably un-reelectable and yet will stagger on for want of an alternative - is just the new normal of how Britain is governed. It was also true for two-thirds of May's premiership, half of Johnson's and all of Sunak's.
Reposted by Adam Payne
Sacking Morgan McSweeney won’t be enough to ease this sense of decline
writes Labour MP @barrygardiner.bsky.social
writes Labour MP @barrygardiner.bsky.social
Sacking Morgan McSweeney won’t be enough to ease this sense of decline
It was never meant to end this way!
www.politicshome.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Sacking Morgan McSweeney won’t be enough to ease this sense of decline
writes Labour MP @barrygardiner.bsky.social
writes Labour MP @barrygardiner.bsky.social
This week's episode of The Rundown is such a great conversation about the student loan debate
ft @theifs.bsky.social's Kate Ogden, the @smfthinktank.bsky.social's Dani Payne, Labour MP @chriscurtis94.bsky.social and colleague @siennarodgers.bsky.social
Hosted by @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
ft @theifs.bsky.social's Kate Ogden, the @smfthinktank.bsky.social's Dani Payne, Labour MP @chriscurtis94.bsky.social and colleague @siennarodgers.bsky.social
Hosted by @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
The Rundown by PoliticsHome: Solving the student loan 'scam'
This week we’re delving into the world of student finance, after a long-simmering row over the loan system for how graduates pay back the cost of their tuition exploded into the mainstream, with ...
podfollow.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:23 AM
This week's episode of The Rundown is such a great conversation about the student loan debate
ft @theifs.bsky.social's Kate Ogden, the @smfthinktank.bsky.social's Dani Payne, Labour MP @chriscurtis94.bsky.social and colleague @siennarodgers.bsky.social
Hosted by @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
ft @theifs.bsky.social's Kate Ogden, the @smfthinktank.bsky.social's Dani Payne, Labour MP @chriscurtis94.bsky.social and colleague @siennarodgers.bsky.social
Hosted by @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
“Brutal” is how one Labour MP describes PMQs, saying that, unlike previous weeks when back benchers have had Starmer’s back, there was “no willing him [the PM] on” this time. Feels like a dangerous few hours for the government.
February 4, 2026 at 2:38 PM
“Brutal” is how one Labour MP describes PMQs, saying that, unlike previous weeks when back benchers have had Starmer’s back, there was “no willing him [the PM] on” this time. Feels like a dangerous few hours for the government.
Reposted by Adam Payne
One piece of good news for Mandelson this week...
I can reveal the council is NOT taking any enforcement action against him for pissing in the street, due to a "lack of evidence"
I can reveal the council is NOT taking any enforcement action against him for pissing in the street, due to a "lack of evidence"
EXC: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week
Kensington Council Investigating Peter Mandelson For Urinating In The Street
Exclusive: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the stree...
www.politicshome.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:52 PM
One piece of good news for Mandelson this week...
I can reveal the council is NOT taking any enforcement action against him for pissing in the street, due to a "lack of evidence"
I can reveal the council is NOT taking any enforcement action against him for pissing in the street, due to a "lack of evidence"
To the lay person, perhaps someone hearing about this story for the first time, of whom there will be many, ‘we knew he had a relationship with a peadophile, just not the extent of it’ must be such a ludicrous position
Voters in focus groups are contrasting Labour’s treatment of Burnham and Mandelson – that’s a dangerous comparison for Starmer. www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
The parable of Andy Burnham and Peter Mandelson
Voters are unimpressed by Keir Starmer’s contrasting treatment of two Labour politicians
www.newstatesman.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:47 PM
To the lay person, perhaps someone hearing about this story for the first time, of whom there will be many, ‘we knew he had a relationship with a peadophile, just not the extent of it’ must be such a ludicrous position
Is the extraordinary Mandelson scandal the final nail in the coffin that is McSweeney’s time in No10? Labour MPs tells our Tom the PLP “direction of travel” is towards Starmer’s CoS having to go. Even some PM loyalists think Starmer may have to remove his close ally to shore up his own position.
The growing Mandelson scandal has resulted in renewed pressure on the position of Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was instrumental in the decision to bring him into government, reports PolHome's Tom Scotson
Starmer Faces Renewed Pressure To Remove Chief Of Staff Over Mandelson Affair
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure from Labour MPs to sack his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, over his role in the appointment of Pet...
www.politicshome.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:32 AM
Is the extraordinary Mandelson scandal the final nail in the coffin that is McSweeney’s time in No10? Labour MPs tells our Tom the PLP “direction of travel” is towards Starmer’s CoS having to go. Even some PM loyalists think Starmer may have to remove his close ally to shore up his own position.
Reposted by Adam Payne
The growing Mandelson scandal has resulted in renewed pressure on the position of Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was instrumental in the decision to bring him into government, reports PolHome's Tom Scotson
Starmer Faces Renewed Pressure To Remove Chief Of Staff Over Mandelson Affair
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure from Labour MPs to sack his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, over his role in the appointment of Pet...
www.politicshome.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:33 PM
The growing Mandelson scandal has resulted in renewed pressure on the position of Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was instrumental in the decision to bring him into government, reports PolHome's Tom Scotson
Reposted by Adam Payne
I think Labour Party historians should get the ball rolling on discussing how we discuss/frame the history of New Labour in light of the latest Mandelson scandal.
February 3, 2026 at 5:31 PM
I think Labour Party historians should get the ball rolling on discussing how we discuss/frame the history of New Labour in light of the latest Mandelson scandal.
Mandelson faces being the 1st person to lose their peerage title via an Act of Parliament in 109 yrs. It was last used in 1917 to remove it from a quartet for siding with Britain's WW1 enemies. It would put him in the same pub quiz answer as Henry Taaffe, 12 th Viscount Taaffe and Baron Ballymote.
February 3, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Mandelson faces being the 1st person to lose their peerage title via an Act of Parliament in 109 yrs. It was last used in 1917 to remove it from a quartet for siding with Britain's WW1 enemies. It would put him in the same pub quiz answer as Henry Taaffe, 12 th Viscount Taaffe and Baron Ballymote.
What the PM said to Cabinet about Mandelson this morning:
“He said the alleged passing on of emails of highly sensitive government business was disgraceful, adding that he was not reassured that the totality of the information had yet emerged”
“He said the alleged passing on of emails of highly sensitive government business was disgraceful, adding that he was not reassured that the totality of the information had yet emerged”
February 3, 2026 at 1:32 PM
What the PM said to Cabinet about Mandelson this morning:
“He said the alleged passing on of emails of highly sensitive government business was disgraceful, adding that he was not reassured that the totality of the information had yet emerged”
“He said the alleged passing on of emails of highly sensitive government business was disgraceful, adding that he was not reassured that the totality of the information had yet emerged”
An essential dissection of the Gorton & Denton contest by perhaps the best-placed observer on Earth, @robfordmancs.bsky.social
New Swingometer post now out - my look at the Gorton and Denton by-election, taking place down the road from me swingometer.substack.com/p/the-gorton...
The Gorton and Denton by-election: a tale of two Manchesters?
Unpopular incumbent + fragmented opposition + unusual seat = unpredictable contest
swingometer.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:51 AM
An essential dissection of the Gorton & Denton contest by perhaps the best-placed observer on Earth, @robfordmancs.bsky.social
Reposted by Adam Payne
Tables are up now. The number of respondents for the headline voting intention, once don't knows and won't votes are removed, is 51.
<Meaningful stare>
<Meaningful stare>
January 29, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Tables are up now. The number of respondents for the headline voting intention, once don't knows and won't votes are removed, is 51.
<Meaningful stare>
<Meaningful stare>
Reposted by Adam Payne
This morning, Welsh FM Eluned Morgan refused to say Keir Starmer was a good PM when asked by the BBC
Welsh Labour is trying to distance itself from the Westminster party in its bid to avoid a Senedd wipeout
But, Tom Scotson reports, the party's Welsh MPs are currently hesitant about regime change
Welsh Labour is trying to distance itself from the Westminster party in its bid to avoid a Senedd wipeout
But, Tom Scotson reports, the party's Welsh MPs are currently hesitant about regime change
Welsh Labour MPs Hesitate About Regime Change Despite Risk of Senedd Wipeout
Labour faces seismic losses in Wales on 7 May, with some insiders fearing that First Minister Eluned Morgan could lose her Senedd seat. Despite the...
www.politicshome.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:37 AM
This morning, Welsh FM Eluned Morgan refused to say Keir Starmer was a good PM when asked by the BBC
Welsh Labour is trying to distance itself from the Westminster party in its bid to avoid a Senedd wipeout
But, Tom Scotson reports, the party's Welsh MPs are currently hesitant about regime change
Welsh Labour is trying to distance itself from the Westminster party in its bid to avoid a Senedd wipeout
But, Tom Scotson reports, the party's Welsh MPs are currently hesitant about regime change
Reposted by Adam Payne
Well at least he's honest 😂
January 28, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Well at least he's honest 😂
Reposted by Adam Payne
New polling shared with PolHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after government removed the mandatory element of the policy
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
Public Opinion On Digital Id Has Not Shifted Since Move To Make It Optional
New polling shared with PoliticsHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after the government removed the mandatory element ...
www.politicshome.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:31 PM
New polling shared with PolHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after government removed the mandatory element of the policy
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
January 28, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Reposted by Adam Payne
Keir Starmer allies have told PolHome that Andy Burnham won't be allowed to stand as Labour's candidate in the by-election in a newly vacated Greater Manchester seat
Sources have suggested to Sienna Rodgers that the party NEC could draw up a list of female candidates only, or an all-BAME shortlist
Sources have suggested to Sienna Rodgers that the party NEC could draw up a list of female candidates only, or an all-BAME shortlist
Starmer Allies Say Burnham Will Not Be Allowed To Stand For Manchester Seat
Allies of Keir Starmer have told PoliticsHome that Andy Burnham will not be allowed to stand as the Labour candidate in the upcoming by-election in...
www.politicshome.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Keir Starmer allies have told PolHome that Andy Burnham won't be allowed to stand as Labour's candidate in the by-election in a newly vacated Greater Manchester seat
Sources have suggested to Sienna Rodgers that the party NEC could draw up a list of female candidates only, or an all-BAME shortlist
Sources have suggested to Sienna Rodgers that the party NEC could draw up a list of female candidates only, or an all-BAME shortlist
Conservative councillors tell @matildamartin.bsky.social they've been offered senior roles and parliamentary seats to defect to Reform before Farage's May deadline
Seb James, Tory cllr in Worcestershire, says he was offered a same seat — which Reform denies
Several others report similar approaches
Seb James, Tory cllr in Worcestershire, says he was offered a same seat — which Reform denies
Several others report similar approaches
Tory councillors nationwide have told PolHome they are being offered senior roles and parliamentary selection to defect to Reform before the May elections
Seb James, a Conservative councillor in Worcestershire, said he was promised a "safe seat" if he switched, reports @matildamartin.bsky.social
Seb James, a Conservative councillor in Worcestershire, said he was promised a "safe seat" if he switched, reports @matildamartin.bsky.social
Tory Councillors Say They Are Being Offered Jobs And Seats To Defect To Reform
Conservative councillors nationwide have told PoliticsHome they are being offered senior roles and parliamentary selection to defect to Reform UK i...
www.politicshome.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Conservative councillors tell @matildamartin.bsky.social they've been offered senior roles and parliamentary seats to defect to Reform before Farage's May deadline
Seb James, Tory cllr in Worcestershire, says he was offered a same seat — which Reform denies
Several others report similar approaches
Seb James, Tory cllr in Worcestershire, says he was offered a same seat — which Reform denies
Several others report similar approaches
Reposted by Adam Payne
Conservative councillors across the country claim they are receiving offers to defect to Reform UK👀
Alleged offers include:
🔻Senior roles on the council
🔻Parliamentary selection
🔻Funding
Alleged offers include:
🔻Senior roles on the council
🔻Parliamentary selection
🔻Funding
Tory Councillors Say They Are Being Offered Jobs And Seats To Defect To Reform
Conservative councillors nationwide have told PoliticsHome they are being offered senior roles and parliamentary selection to defect to Reform UK i...
www.politicshome.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Conservative councillors across the country claim they are receiving offers to defect to Reform UK👀
Alleged offers include:
🔻Senior roles on the council
🔻Parliamentary selection
🔻Funding
Alleged offers include:
🔻Senior roles on the council
🔻Parliamentary selection
🔻Funding
Easily Starmer's strongest public rebuke of Trump since entering No 10, and a significant shift from the tone being struck on Monday. The House of Commons, Kemi Badenoch included, seemed taken aback by the strength of it. Whether it produces the desired result is another Q altogether, ofc.
Keir Starmer has said he will not "yield" to Trump on Greenland
In his strongest public rebuke of the US President to date, the PM said Trump was using the threat of tariffs and criticism of Britain's Chagos deal as a way of pressuring the Labour government into softening its position on Greenland
In his strongest public rebuke of the US President to date, the PM said Trump was using the threat of tariffs and criticism of Britain's Chagos deal as a way of pressuring the Labour government into softening its position on Greenland
Keir Starmer Says He Will Not 'Yield' To Trump On Greenland
Keir Starmer has said that he 'will not yield' to pressure put on him by Donald Trump to let the US take control of Greenland.
www.politicshome.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Easily Starmer's strongest public rebuke of Trump since entering No 10, and a significant shift from the tone being struck on Monday. The House of Commons, Kemi Badenoch included, seemed taken aback by the strength of it. Whether it produces the desired result is another Q altogether, ofc.
Reposted by Adam Payne
A Labour MP has warned that any move to ban social media for under-16s must be compatible with plans to lower the voting age to 16
@joshdeanmp.bsky.social told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that the newly announced consultation on a potential ban must consider how young people "consume information"
@joshdeanmp.bsky.social told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that the newly announced consultation on a potential ban must consider how young people "consume information"
Labour MP Says Potential Social Media Ban Must Be Compatible With Votes For 16-Year-Olds
A Labour MP has warned that plans to expand the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds must be factored into the government’s consultation on a potential ban ...
www.politicshome.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:36 AM
A Labour MP has warned that any move to ban social media for under-16s must be compatible with plans to lower the voting age to 16
@joshdeanmp.bsky.social told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that the newly announced consultation on a potential ban must consider how young people "consume information"
@joshdeanmp.bsky.social told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that the newly announced consultation on a potential ban must consider how young people "consume information"
Reposted by Adam Payne
Reform UK cllrs have told PolHome the party must not repeat the 2025 error of promising tax cuts at the May local elections
A Reform cllr in Hampshire said there were "lessons to be learned" for the party
One in Surrey told @matildamartin.bsky.social: "Don't boast about things you can't deliver"
A Reform cllr in Hampshire said there were "lessons to be learned" for the party
One in Surrey told @matildamartin.bsky.social: "Don't boast about things you can't deliver"
Reform Councillors Say Party Shouldn't Repeat Mistake Of Promising Tax Cuts At This Year's Local Elections
Reform UK councillors have told PoliticsHome that the party should not repeat the 2025 error of promising tax cuts heading into the May local elect...
www.politicshome.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Reform UK cllrs have told PolHome the party must not repeat the 2025 error of promising tax cuts at the May local elections
A Reform cllr in Hampshire said there were "lessons to be learned" for the party
One in Surrey told @matildamartin.bsky.social: "Don't boast about things you can't deliver"
A Reform cllr in Hampshire said there were "lessons to be learned" for the party
One in Surrey told @matildamartin.bsky.social: "Don't boast about things you can't deliver"
Early signs of what government movement on jury trial reform could look like?
Colleague Harriet Symonds reports ministers have floated the idea of inserting a clause triggering a review of the policy when the backlog falls to a certain level
A government spox says it's speculation — but no denial
Colleague Harriet Symonds reports ministers have floated the idea of inserting a clause triggering a review of the policy when the backlog falls to a certain level
A government spox says it's speculation — but no denial
Ministers have told Labour MPs that the scaling back of jury trials could be reviewed if the court backlog is reduced to a certain level, PolHome understands
A government spokesperson said "this kind of speculation does nothing" to tackle "unacceptable" court delays — but didn't deny the story
A government spokesperson said "this kind of speculation does nothing" to tackle "unacceptable" court delays — but didn't deny the story
Ministers Tell Labour MPs Jury Reforms Could Come With Review Clause
The government has told Labour MPs that the decision to scale back jury trials could be reviewed if the court backlog is reduced to a certain level...
www.politicshome.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:53 AM
Early signs of what government movement on jury trial reform could look like?
Colleague Harriet Symonds reports ministers have floated the idea of inserting a clause triggering a review of the policy when the backlog falls to a certain level
A government spox says it's speculation — but no denial
Colleague Harriet Symonds reports ministers have floated the idea of inserting a clause triggering a review of the policy when the backlog falls to a certain level
A government spox says it's speculation — but no denial