Alain Tolhurst
@alaintolhurst.bsky.social
Chief Reporter at @PoliticsHome.bsky.social and host of The Rundown podcast
🎧Listen here: bit.ly/3M8d963
📧Alain.Tolhurst@politicshome.com
🎧Listen here: bit.ly/3M8d963
📧Alain.Tolhurst@politicshome.com
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
One more plug for my Substack piece on the by-election everyone's talking about, which is taking place right down the road from me...
open.substack.com/pub/swingome...
open.substack.com/pub/swingome...
The Gorton and Denton by-election: a tale of two Manchesters?
Unpopular incumbent + fragmented opposition + unusual seat = unpredictable contest
open.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM
One more plug for my Substack piece on the by-election everyone's talking about, which is taking place right down the road from me...
open.substack.com/pub/swingome...
open.substack.com/pub/swingome...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
NEW: Howard Lutnick, the billionaire who serves as President Trump’s commerce secretary, planned a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012.
Lutnick previously claimed that he was so revolted by Epstein that he had cut ties with him years earlier.
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Lutnick previously claimed that he was so revolted by Epstein that he had cut ties with him years earlier.
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Planned Trip to Epstein’s Island
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:26 PM
NEW: Howard Lutnick, the billionaire who serves as President Trump’s commerce secretary, planned a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012.
Lutnick previously claimed that he was so revolted by Epstein that he had cut ties with him years earlier.
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Lutnick previously claimed that he was so revolted by Epstein that he had cut ties with him years earlier.
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
I'm not prone to exaggeration but this is probably the biggest scoop I've ever been involved in
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Jeffrey Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s husband, emails show
Epstein sent Reinaldo Avila da Silva payment in 2009
www.ft.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I'm not prone to exaggeration but this is probably the biggest scoop I've ever been involved in
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
The Scarlets match in Benetton is an absolute farce, this is an all-time pea souper
January 30, 2026 at 8:57 PM
The Scarlets match in Benetton is an absolute farce, this is an all-time pea souper
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 The second referendum campaign revisited
🇪🇺 Labour MP & founder of Remain Labour @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social, @anandmenon.bsky.social & @morganj0nes.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to look back at the anti-Brexit movement following the EU referendum
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/383e5e
🇪🇺 Labour MP & founder of Remain Labour @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social, @anandmenon.bsky.social & @morganj0nes.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to look back at the anti-Brexit movement following the EU referendum
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/383e5e
January 30, 2026 at 12:10 PM
🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 The second referendum campaign revisited
🇪🇺 Labour MP & founder of Remain Labour @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social, @anandmenon.bsky.social & @morganj0nes.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to look back at the anti-Brexit movement following the EU referendum
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/383e5e
🇪🇺 Labour MP & founder of Remain Labour @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social, @anandmenon.bsky.social & @morganj0nes.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to look back at the anti-Brexit movement following the EU referendum
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/383e5e
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
a) a century is not a long time in the context of the UK parliament and the law
b) it's only a century old if you count the 1911 Parliament Act and ignore the 1949 Parliament Act which amended it
c) Parliament Acts are established parts of the UK system- reporting them as "old" is a weird framing
b) it's only a century old if you count the 1911 Parliament Act and ignore the 1949 Parliament Act which amended it
c) Parliament Acts are established parts of the UK system- reporting them as "old" is a weird framing
How a century-old Act could help assisted dying supporters override the Lords
How a century-old Act could help assisted dying supporters override the Lords
While rare, the Parliament Act can technically be used to pass a private members' bill if the House of Lords rejects it, provided the bill passes the Commons in two successive sessions and one year elapses.
news.sky.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:34 PM
a) a century is not a long time in the context of the UK parliament and the law
b) it's only a century old if you count the 1911 Parliament Act and ignore the 1949 Parliament Act which amended it
c) Parliament Acts are established parts of the UK system- reporting them as "old" is a weird framing
b) it's only a century old if you count the 1911 Parliament Act and ignore the 1949 Parliament Act which amended it
c) Parliament Acts are established parts of the UK system- reporting them as "old" is a weird framing
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
"All governments decay eventually. What distinguishes Keir Starmer’s is the speed with which the necrosis has set in. After little more than 18 months in office, it already resembles the last months of Rishi Sunak’s premiership"
as.ft.com/r/44182887-8...
as.ft.com/r/44182887-8...
The prisoner of Downing Street
[FREE TO READ] The smell of death is descending on a directionless government
as.ft.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:46 PM
"All governments decay eventually. What distinguishes Keir Starmer’s is the speed with which the necrosis has set in. After little more than 18 months in office, it already resembles the last months of Rishi Sunak’s premiership"
as.ft.com/r/44182887-8...
as.ft.com/r/44182887-8...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
recently learned about “dek bass”, a sound system culture in rural West Bengal, using cassette decks and homemade systems, and it’s remarkable because 1) the music and equipment are sick and 2) the DJ always looks like he’s being briefed on a national security issue
January 26, 2026 at 3:56 AM
recently learned about “dek bass”, a sound system culture in rural West Bengal, using cassette decks and homemade systems, and it’s remarkable because 1) the music and equipment are sick and 2) the DJ always looks like he’s being briefed on a national security issue
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
SCOOP: Trump aide Stephen Miller behind misleading claim that slain Minn. protester wanted to "massacre" agents
Scoop: Trump aide Stephen Miller behind misleading claim that slain Minn. protester wanted to "massacre" agents
The episode illustrates the sheer power of Miller, Trump's close and longest-serving political adviser
trib.al
January 27, 2026 at 8:33 PM
SCOOP: Trump aide Stephen Miller behind misleading claim that slain Minn. protester wanted to "massacre" agents
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
Grape Nuts (holding me back): Whoa whoa whoa, hey man, just let it go! This asshole isn't worth it!
December 4, 2024 at 12:14 AM
Grape Nuts (holding me back): Whoa whoa whoa, hey man, just let it go! This asshole isn't worth it!
When this isn’t the first time, or even the 5th or 6th time, that you think ‘crikey the windscreen’s dirty’ - only to realise it’s actually your glasses that need cleaning, then you really do start to question your own brilliance
January 27, 2026 at 12:29 PM
When this isn’t the first time, or even the 5th or 6th time, that you think ‘crikey the windscreen’s dirty’ - only to realise it’s actually your glasses that need cleaning, then you really do start to question your own brilliance
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
big papa huge time is a jovial…JUBILANT cat as proven by his big grin and closed eyes…whenever you can, be happy like big papa huge time! he is happy and joyous, enjoying the moment; just like how you should allow yourself to be! be like big papa huge time!
January 16, 2026 at 12:58 AM
big papa huge time is a jovial…JUBILANT cat as proven by his big grin and closed eyes…whenever you can, be happy like big papa huge time! he is happy and joyous, enjoying the moment; just like how you should allow yourself to be! be like big papa huge time!
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
Mamdani wandering through a darkened dungeon, hidden away in the bowels of a forgotten library, pulls an ancient crumbling tome off a forgotten shelf, blows the dust off the cracked cover to reveal the words "How To Do Retail Politics"
❄️ VIDEO: Mayor Mamdani seen with a shovel assisting a car stuck in the snow in the Hasidic-populated neighborhood of Williamsburg.
January 25, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Mamdani wandering through a darkened dungeon, hidden away in the bowels of a forgotten library, pulls an ancient crumbling tome off a forgotten shelf, blows the dust off the cracked cover to reveal the words "How To Do Retail Politics"
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
Burnham has publicly criticised how Labour is "being run" after his bid to be its candidate in an upcoming by-election was blocked
The Manchester mayor said journalists found out about the NEC denying his bid before he did
"You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something.."
The Manchester mayor said journalists found out about the NEC denying his bid before he did
"You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something.."
Burnham Criticises How Labour 'Is Being Run' After Being Blocked As By-Election Candidate
Andy Burnham has launched a public criticism of the Labour leadership after his desire to run in an upcoming by-election was blocked by senior part...
www.politicshome.com
January 25, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Burnham has publicly criticised how Labour is "being run" after his bid to be its candidate in an upcoming by-election was blocked
The Manchester mayor said journalists found out about the NEC denying his bid before he did
"You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something.."
The Manchester mayor said journalists found out about the NEC denying his bid before he did
"You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something.."
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
Is it really an alien abduction if I want to go with them
October 30, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Is it really an alien abduction if I want to go with them
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
Western countries are hitting refugees twice: they are making it harder to claim asylum *and* they are cutting aid to troubled regions.
I went to Sudan, the world's worst humanitarian situation, where the UN refugee agency has had to cut half its staff. Please have a read: as.ft.com/r/df593f1e-e...
I went to Sudan, the world's worst humanitarian situation, where the UN refugee agency has had to cut half its staff. Please have a read: as.ft.com/r/df593f1e-e...
Adapt, shrink or die: the global crisis in humanitarian aid
[FREE TO READ] On the road in Sudan with the UN’s outgoing High Commissioner for Refugees
as.ft.com
January 25, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Western countries are hitting refugees twice: they are making it harder to claim asylum *and* they are cutting aid to troubled regions.
I went to Sudan, the world's worst humanitarian situation, where the UN refugee agency has had to cut half its staff. Please have a read: as.ft.com/r/df593f1e-e...
I went to Sudan, the world's worst humanitarian situation, where the UN refugee agency has had to cut half its staff. Please have a read: as.ft.com/r/df593f1e-e...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 Too late to rewire the state?
🔄🏛️ @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's @hannahkeenan.bsky.social, TBI's @iosad.fyi and Keir Starmer's former political director Luke Sullivan join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss Labour’s attempts at civil service reform
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/37edab
🔄🏛️ @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's @hannahkeenan.bsky.social, TBI's @iosad.fyi and Keir Starmer's former political director Luke Sullivan join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss Labour’s attempts at civil service reform
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/37edab
January 23, 2026 at 12:22 PM
🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 Too late to rewire the state?
🔄🏛️ @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's @hannahkeenan.bsky.social, TBI's @iosad.fyi and Keir Starmer's former political director Luke Sullivan join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss Labour’s attempts at civil service reform
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/37edab
🔄🏛️ @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's @hannahkeenan.bsky.social, TBI's @iosad.fyi and Keir Starmer's former political director Luke Sullivan join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss Labour’s attempts at civil service reform
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/37edab
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
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
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
NEW: In January 2024, a man purchased Meta's newly AI-infused smart glasses.
He went on to experience a devastating break with reality that played out across Meta platforms — with Meta AI as his companion, entertaining and affirming his worsening delusional beliefs.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
He went on to experience a devastating break with reality that played out across Meta platforms — with Meta AI as his companion, entertaining and affirming his worsening delusional beliefs.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
January 15, 2026 at 5:23 PM
NEW: In January 2024, a man purchased Meta's newly AI-infused smart glasses.
He went on to experience a devastating break with reality that played out across Meta platforms — with Meta AI as his companion, entertaining and affirming his worsening delusional beliefs.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
He went on to experience a devastating break with reality that played out across Meta platforms — with Meta AI as his companion, entertaining and affirming his worsening delusional beliefs.
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.
January 17, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
🚨OUT NOW🚨 'Our democracy is being attacked'
🗳️ Electoral Commission chief exec Vijay Rangarajan, the Jo Cox Foundation's Hannah Phillips & Labour MP John Slinger join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss rising threats, abuse & intimidation facing politicians
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
🗳️ Electoral Commission chief exec Vijay Rangarajan, the Jo Cox Foundation's Hannah Phillips & Labour MP John Slinger join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss rising threats, abuse & intimidation facing politicians
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
January 16, 2026 at 1:54 PM
🚨OUT NOW🚨 'Our democracy is being attacked'
🗳️ Electoral Commission chief exec Vijay Rangarajan, the Jo Cox Foundation's Hannah Phillips & Labour MP John Slinger join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss rising threats, abuse & intimidation facing politicians
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
🗳️ Electoral Commission chief exec Vijay Rangarajan, the Jo Cox Foundation's Hannah Phillips & Labour MP John Slinger join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss rising threats, abuse & intimidation facing politicians
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
MPs are "self-censoring" public statements for fear of threats and intimidation, a Labour MP has warned
John Slinger, vice-chair of the defending democracy APPG, said abuse towards candidates at the last general election was "off the scale"
He spoke to The Rundown's @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
John Slinger, vice-chair of the defending democracy APPG, said abuse towards candidates at the last general election was "off the scale"
He spoke to The Rundown's @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
MPs Are “Self-Censoring” Speeches For Fear Of Threats And Abuse, Warns Labour MP
Labour MP John Slinger has warned that rising threats, abuse and intimidation in politics are leading to Parliamentarians “self-censoring” what the...
www.politicshome.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:26 AM
MPs are "self-censoring" public statements for fear of threats and intimidation, a Labour MP has warned
John Slinger, vice-chair of the defending democracy APPG, said abuse towards candidates at the last general election was "off the scale"
He spoke to The Rundown's @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
John Slinger, vice-chair of the defending democracy APPG, said abuse towards candidates at the last general election was "off the scale"
He spoke to The Rundown's @alaintolhurst.bsky.social
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
❌Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick, removed the whip and suspended his party membership "with immediate effect"
In a post on X, Badenoch said she was presented with "clear, irrefutable evidence" that Jenrick was "plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible"
In a post on X, Badenoch said she was presented with "clear, irrefutable evidence" that Jenrick was "plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible"
Kemi Badenoch Kicks Robert Jenrick Out Of Tory Party Over Alleged Plan To Defect
Kemi Badenoch has sacked her shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, removed the whip and suspended his membership of the Conservative Party 'with...
www.politicshome.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:33 AM
❌Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick, removed the whip and suspended his party membership "with immediate effect"
In a post on X, Badenoch said she was presented with "clear, irrefutable evidence" that Jenrick was "plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible"
In a post on X, Badenoch said she was presented with "clear, irrefutable evidence" that Jenrick was "plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible"
Tell me you worked at the Home Office without telling me you worked at the Home Office...
January 15, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Tell me you worked at the Home Office without telling me you worked at the Home Office...
Reposted by Alain Tolhurst
I need the most “the problems with police culture in England and Wales” paragraph you can find:
January 14, 2026 at 5:58 PM
I need the most “the problems with police culture in England and Wales” paragraph you can find: