Alex Walker
@alwalker.bsky.social
Senior Researcher @re-state.bsky.social
Interests include devolution, governance, democracy, trust
Interests include devolution, governance, democracy, trust
Reposted by Alex Walker
The Re:View is out! 🎉
This week, Director of Policy and Research, @stkaye.bsky.social unpacks the Government’s latest move in the devolution agenda, as the MHCLG seeks to “fill in the map” of England with a new wave of Strategic Authorities.
👉Read it here: bit.ly/4auVwuB
This week, Director of Policy and Research, @stkaye.bsky.social unpacks the Government’s latest move in the devolution agenda, as the MHCLG seeks to “fill in the map” of England with a new wave of Strategic Authorities.
👉Read it here: bit.ly/4auVwuB
The Re:View 13 February 2026
“Housing need in England cannot be met without planning for growth on a larger than local scale.”
bit.ly
February 13, 2026 at 2:09 PM
The Re:View is out! 🎉
This week, Director of Policy and Research, @stkaye.bsky.social unpacks the Government’s latest move in the devolution agenda, as the MHCLG seeks to “fill in the map” of England with a new wave of Strategic Authorities.
👉Read it here: bit.ly/4auVwuB
This week, Director of Policy and Research, @stkaye.bsky.social unpacks the Government’s latest move in the devolution agenda, as the MHCLG seeks to “fill in the map” of England with a new wave of Strategic Authorities.
👉Read it here: bit.ly/4auVwuB
Reposted by Alex Walker
"Perhaps the next 'grand theory' of public service reform will not come from the centre, but from the periphery."
@alwalker.bsky.social writing for @re-state.bsky.social
Yes, seems far more likely to me, as long as the centre allows enough flexibility.
open.substack.com/pub/restate/...
@alwalker.bsky.social writing for @re-state.bsky.social
Yes, seems far more likely to me, as long as the centre allows enough flexibility.
open.substack.com/pub/restate/...
February 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
"Perhaps the next 'grand theory' of public service reform will not come from the centre, but from the periphery."
@alwalker.bsky.social writing for @re-state.bsky.social
Yes, seems far more likely to me, as long as the centre allows enough flexibility.
open.substack.com/pub/restate/...
@alwalker.bsky.social writing for @re-state.bsky.social
Yes, seems far more likely to me, as long as the centre allows enough flexibility.
open.substack.com/pub/restate/...
My first Re:View is out - I look at Kent county council's struggle to find big spending cuts, what it says about the difficult work of public service reform, and whether the next ‘grand theory’ of public management could come from the periphery rather than the centre.
The Re:View is out!
This week, Senior Researcher, @alwalker.bsky.social, reflects on the quiet demise of Local-DOGE.
Could the next big ideas in public service reform come from local government rather than Whitehall? Read on for Alex's take.
bit.ly/4aj1PkY
This week, Senior Researcher, @alwalker.bsky.social, reflects on the quiet demise of Local-DOGE.
Could the next big ideas in public service reform come from local government rather than Whitehall? Read on for Alex's take.
bit.ly/4aj1PkY
The Re:View 6 February 2026
“I wish we could have found those big savings for Zia, it would have been a better story, but we didn’t”
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 3:29 PM
My first Re:View is out - I look at Kent county council's struggle to find big spending cuts, what it says about the difficult work of public service reform, and whether the next ‘grand theory’ of public management could come from the periphery rather than the centre.
Reposted by Alex Walker
The only way Labour can win the next election is by governing well.
That might not be enough, but it’s the bare minimum.
The questions to be asking about any potential new PM are “what is their agenda and can they achieve it?”
Not “do they currently poll well?”
Or “can they handle a media round?”
That might not be enough, but it’s the bare minimum.
The questions to be asking about any potential new PM are “what is their agenda and can they achieve it?”
Not “do they currently poll well?”
Or “can they handle a media round?”
February 5, 2026 at 10:37 AM
The only way Labour can win the next election is by governing well.
That might not be enough, but it’s the bare minimum.
The questions to be asking about any potential new PM are “what is their agenda and can they achieve it?”
Not “do they currently poll well?”
Or “can they handle a media round?”
That might not be enough, but it’s the bare minimum.
The questions to be asking about any potential new PM are “what is their agenda and can they achieve it?”
Not “do they currently poll well?”
Or “can they handle a media round?”
The government announced today that the pride in place programme is being expanded to a further 40 neighbourhoods.
I wrote something last year for @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk on the political appeal of the programme and what it's intended to achieve:
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/unpacki...
I wrote something last year for @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk on the political appeal of the programme and what it's intended to achieve:
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/unpacki...
Unpacking the pride in place programme - Bennett School of Public Policy
The government's new ‘pride in place’ strategy promises to empower communities to restore local spaces and revive high streets. The widened and rebranded regeneration scheme forms a key pillar of its ...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
February 5, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The government announced today that the pride in place programme is being expanded to a further 40 neighbourhoods.
I wrote something last year for @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk on the political appeal of the programme and what it's intended to achieve:
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/unpacki...
I wrote something last year for @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk on the political appeal of the programme and what it's intended to achieve:
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/unpacki...
Reposted by Alex Walker
NEW REPORT - Capital at risk
London is a global capital. But it doesn't have the governance to match. The Mayor is much less powerful than his international counterparts, with too many boroughs which hold too much influence. The city needs reboot.
🔗👇
London is a global capital. But it doesn't have the governance to match. The Mayor is much less powerful than his international counterparts, with too many boroughs which hold too much influence. The city needs reboot.
🔗👇
February 2, 2026 at 8:23 AM
NEW REPORT - Capital at risk
London is a global capital. But it doesn't have the governance to match. The Mayor is much less powerful than his international counterparts, with too many boroughs which hold too much influence. The city needs reboot.
🔗👇
London is a global capital. But it doesn't have the governance to match. The Mayor is much less powerful than his international counterparts, with too many boroughs which hold too much influence. The city needs reboot.
🔗👇
Re:State is on Substack! Must read first post from @stkaye.bsky.social featuring F. Scott Fitzgerald and the new white paper on police reform.
Can the government square "From the local to national: a new model for policing" with the commitments it made in the devolution white paper?
Can the government square "From the local to national: a new model for policing" with the commitments it made in the devolution white paper?
We are now on Substack! From now on, our weekly newsletter the Re:View will be published there.
This week, @stkaye.bsky.social writes about the Government's policing reforms: the first move away from devolution that we've seen in a long time.
restate.substack.com/p/the-review...
This week, @stkaye.bsky.social writes about the Government's policing reforms: the first move away from devolution that we've seen in a long time.
restate.substack.com/p/the-review...
The Re:View 30 January 2026
Welcome to the Re:View.
restate.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Re:State is on Substack! Must read first post from @stkaye.bsky.social featuring F. Scott Fitzgerald and the new white paper on police reform.
Can the government square "From the local to national: a new model for policing" with the commitments it made in the devolution white paper?
Can the government square "From the local to national: a new model for policing" with the commitments it made in the devolution white paper?
Reposted by Alex Walker
Listen to me talking about my book (out now!) with an excellent panel:
🚨 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 12:16 PM
Listen to me talking about my book (out now!) with an excellent panel:
Latest Re:State 'meetings with mayors' is happening today! Sign up to hear Simon Kaye in convo with mayor of the v interesting North East Combined Authority, Kim McGuinness.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: In conversation with Mayor Kim McGuinness. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Directly elected Mayors, leading increasingly assertive Combined Authorities, are beginning to challenge Whitehall’s monopoly on power in England. They are reshaping how local decisions are made, how ...
us06web.zoom.us
January 22, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Latest Re:State 'meetings with mayors' is happening today! Sign up to hear Simon Kaye in convo with mayor of the v interesting North East Combined Authority, Kim McGuinness.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Some job news - excited to share that I've started a new position as a Senior Researcher at @re-state.bsky.social! I'll be working on the fantastic 'Re:Imagining the Local State' programme, and thinking about the future of local government and devolution.
January 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM
Some job news - excited to share that I've started a new position as a Senior Researcher at @re-state.bsky.social! I'll be working on the fantastic 'Re:Imagining the Local State' programme, and thinking about the future of local government and devolution.
Two good related pieces out today on civic renewal - one from James Plunkett on how to do it (what he calls 'communitarian statecraft'), and the other from Jack Shaw on improving the visible state of the public realm: jackshaw.substack.com/p/a-politics...
samf.substack.com/p/power-to-t...
samf.substack.com/p/power-to-t...
Power to the People
How Labour can restore civic life and counter the "Britain is broken" narrative
samf.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Two good related pieces out today on civic renewal - one from James Plunkett on how to do it (what he calls 'communitarian statecraft'), and the other from Jack Shaw on improving the visible state of the public realm: jackshaw.substack.com/p/a-politics...
samf.substack.com/p/power-to-t...
samf.substack.com/p/power-to-t...
Reposted by Alex Walker
This is why there's a whole chapter in my book about the damage the grid has done to policy making.
January 16, 2026 at 10:04 PM
This is why there's a whole chapter in my book about the damage the grid has done to policy making.
Reposted by Alex Walker
wikipedia turns 25 today! the last unenshittified major website! backbone of online info! triumph of humanity! powered by urge of unpaid randos to correct each other! somehow mostly reliable! "good thing wikipedia works in practice, because it sure doesn't work in theory" - old wiki adage
January 15, 2026 at 1:47 PM
wikipedia turns 25 today! the last unenshittified major website! backbone of online info! triumph of humanity! powered by urge of unpaid randos to correct each other! somehow mostly reliable! "good thing wikipedia works in practice, because it sure doesn't work in theory" - old wiki adage
There'll be lots of attention on the campaigns in Scotland and Wales over the next few months, but it's worth also looking ahead to a potential situation in which the UK and devolved governments are all led by different parties, and what this might mean for intergovernmental relations and policy:
In a new blog, @alwalker.bsky.social looks at Labour’s record on intergovernmental relations so far—where there have been improvements, where cracks are showing, and why devolved elections next year could mean a more challenging political environment for devolution.
Read: bit.ly/4jbAR2r
Read: bit.ly/4jbAR2r
January 15, 2026 at 9:47 AM
There'll be lots of attention on the campaigns in Scotland and Wales over the next few months, but it's worth also looking ahead to a potential situation in which the UK and devolved governments are all led by different parties, and what this might mean for intergovernmental relations and policy:
Reposted by Alex Walker
As ever, worth reading Joël ‘reality over rhetoric’ Reland.
My assessment of Starmer's latest EU gambit. His rhetoric on "alignment" may be getting bolder but the trade-offs remain the same.
The UK will not get much closer alignment with the single market unless it accepts free movement + budget contributions.
ukandeu.ac.uk/new-year-sam...
The UK will not get much closer alignment with the single market unless it accepts free movement + budget contributions.
ukandeu.ac.uk/new-year-sam...
New year, same old Brexit trade-offs - UK in a changing Europe
Joël Reland argues that while the UK has indicated that it is keen to align more closely with the EU, the inherent tradeoffs remain the same as the EU will not allow the UK to 'cherry pick' further ac...
ukandeu.ac.uk
January 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM
As ever, worth reading Joël ‘reality over rhetoric’ Reland.
Reposted by Alex Walker
If you want a more strategic central state you have to devolve a lot more operational power. The more you try to control everything centrally the harder it gets.
January 2, 2026 at 8:28 AM
If you want a more strategic central state you have to devolve a lot more operational power. The more you try to control everything centrally the harder it gets.
Reposted by Alex Walker
In a new blog, @alwalker.bsky.social looks at Labour’s record on intergovernmental relations so far—where there have been improvements, where cracks are showing, and why devolved elections next year could mean a more challenging political environment for devolution.
Read: bit.ly/4jbAR2r
Read: bit.ly/4jbAR2r
December 23, 2025 at 9:24 AM
In a new blog, @alwalker.bsky.social looks at Labour’s record on intergovernmental relations so far—where there have been improvements, where cracks are showing, and why devolved elections next year could mean a more challenging political environment for devolution.
Read: bit.ly/4jbAR2r
Read: bit.ly/4jbAR2r
Reposted by Alex Walker
For #devolution anoraks/those with a passing interest in how this blessed realm is governed, this is an interesting piece by @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk @alwalker.bsky.social of the current UK Govt’s ‘reset’ of intergovernmental relations & how IGR might be shaped by next year’s devolved elections
UK intergovernmental relations under Labour: a fragile reset, with potential challenges ahead - Bennett School of Public Policy
As the prospect of nationalist First Ministers across the UK’s devolved governments grows stronger, Alex Walker examines whether Labour’s promised ‘reset’ of intergovernmental relations can withstand ...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 10:21 PM
For #devolution anoraks/those with a passing interest in how this blessed realm is governed, this is an interesting piece by @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk @alwalker.bsky.social of the current UK Govt’s ‘reset’ of intergovernmental relations & how IGR might be shaped by next year’s devolved elections
Wrapping up for Christmas with a piece looking back at how the UK government has approached devolved relations since Labour took office, and looking ahead to 2026 and the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales.
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/uk-inte...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/uk-inte...
UK intergovernmental relations under Labour: a fragile reset, with potential challenges ahead - Bennett School of Public Policy
As the prospect of nationalist First Ministers across the UK’s devolved governments grows stronger, Alex Walker examines whether Labour’s promised ‘reset’ of intergovernmental relations can withstand ...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Wrapping up for Christmas with a piece looking back at how the UK government has approached devolved relations since Labour took office, and looking ahead to 2026 and the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales.
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/uk-inte...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/uk-inte...
Interesting piece on the history of post-war place-based policy (which spells out some clear lessons for the government's pride in place programme)
With place and devolution back at the centre of political debate, it’s a timely reminder that those mapping a way forward should look at what has come before.
📘 Read Nick’s essay here:https://buff.ly/ElcnWP3
📚 Download the full collection:https://buff.ly/C34ukiN
📘 Read Nick’s essay here:https://buff.ly/ElcnWP3
📚 Download the full collection:https://buff.ly/C34ukiN
Looking back to move forwards: A historical perspective on community and public policy - Power to Change
This month's essay from Nick Garland explores how past regeneration efforts like the New Deal for Communities offer vital lessons for shaping sustainab ...
buff.ly
December 18, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Interesting piece on the history of post-war place-based policy (which spells out some clear lessons for the government's pride in place programme)
Reposted by Alex Walker
We're looking for a Professor of Public Policy to join our senior leadership team.
They'll play a leading role in teaching on the School's postgraduate courses, & make a significant contribution to its research & research leadership.
Apply by 9 February 2026: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/profess...
They'll play a leading role in teaching on the School's postgraduate courses, & make a significant contribution to its research & research leadership.
Apply by 9 February 2026: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/profess...
December 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
We're looking for a Professor of Public Policy to join our senior leadership team.
They'll play a leading role in teaching on the School's postgraduate courses, & make a significant contribution to its research & research leadership.
Apply by 9 February 2026: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/profess...
They'll play a leading role in teaching on the School's postgraduate courses, & make a significant contribution to its research & research leadership.
Apply by 9 February 2026: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/profess...
Reposted by Alex Walker
Great new piece from @akashpaun.bsky.social on the decision to delay next year’s mayoral elections.
“even on the government's own terms… then the case for shifting these polls to 2027 is far stronger than delaying them until 2028”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
“even on the government's own terms… then the case for shifting these polls to 2027 is far stronger than delaying them until 2028”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
Mayoral elections in priority areas should be held in May 2027 at the very latest | Institute for Government
The government has not made a convincing case for postponement.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Great new piece from @akashpaun.bsky.social on the decision to delay next year’s mayoral elections.
“even on the government's own terms… then the case for shifting these polls to 2027 is far stronger than delaying them until 2028”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
“even on the government's own terms… then the case for shifting these polls to 2027 is far stronger than delaying them until 2028”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
Can confirm this is an excellent role! You'll be joining a fantastic team at an exciting time and working on some really interesting stuff. Plenty of time to apply over the Christmas break!
We're recruiting for a Research Assistant
We're looking for someone interested in one or more of the following - institutions; governance; devolution; place-based policy; and public administration.
📆 Apply by 5 January 2026
🔗https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/research-assistant-fixed-term-jb48083
We're looking for someone interested in one or more of the following - institutions; governance; devolution; place-based policy; and public administration.
📆 Apply by 5 January 2026
🔗https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/research-assistant-fixed-term-jb48083
December 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Can confirm this is an excellent role! You'll be joining a fantastic team at an exciting time and working on some really interesting stuff. Plenty of time to apply over the Christmas break!
Reposted by Alex Walker
If you’re involved in research impact, public engagement (in any form) then you really need to read this from @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social and @michaelkenny.bsky.social at @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How to get science back into policymaking
Misunderstanding and hubris have broken public trust in governments’ use of science, but it can be restored.
www.nature.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM
If you’re involved in research impact, public engagement (in any form) then you really need to read this from @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social and @michaelkenny.bsky.social at @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Important piece on the challenges facing evidence-informed policy and how researchers and universities should respond (including acknowledging uncertainties and trade-offs, a wider understanding of what counts as evidence, and stronger connections between unis and local communities)
It's time to get science back into policymaking
Misunderstanding & hubris have broken public trust in governments’ use of science, but it can be restored.
@michaelkenny.bsky.social & @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social
discuss 'how' in their comment for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Misunderstanding & hubris have broken public trust in governments’ use of science, but it can be restored.
@michaelkenny.bsky.social & @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social
discuss 'how' in their comment for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How to get science back into policymaking
Misunderstanding and hubris have broken public trust in governments’ use of science, but it can be restored.
www.nature.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Important piece on the challenges facing evidence-informed policy and how researchers and universities should respond (including acknowledging uncertainties and trade-offs, a wider understanding of what counts as evidence, and stronger connections between unis and local communities)