Josiah Mortimer
@josiahmortimer.bsky.social
Chief Reporter at UK political outlet Byline Times. I write the 'On the Ground' column in our print edition. Covering democracy, campaigning, and Britain's media.
'Fake news w*nker' - Tommy Robinson
Got a story? Get in touch.
'Fake news w*nker' - Tommy Robinson
Got a story? Get in touch.
Pinned
Sharing this to pin it: For non/new followers, hello!
I'm Josiah. I'm a UK political journalist from Cornwall & based in the South West. I also report regularly from Westminster.
My work focuses on democracy, social movements, & Britain's political system.
Get in touch: linktr.ee/josiahmortimer
I'm Josiah. I'm a UK political journalist from Cornwall & based in the South West. I also report regularly from Westminster.
My work focuses on democracy, social movements, & Britain's political system.
Get in touch: linktr.ee/josiahmortimer
"If he would do this for a small amount of money, what would he do for paymasters with deeper pockets?”
Quite.
leftfootforward.org/2026/01/nige...
Quite.
leftfootforward.org/2026/01/nige...
Nigel Farage pays tribute to convicted Lostprophets singer in £98 Cameo clip
"If he is prepared to lie for relatively paltry sums, what is he prepared to do for larger amounts?"
leftfootforward.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:21 PM
"If he would do this for a small amount of money, what would he do for paymasters with deeper pockets?”
Quite.
leftfootforward.org/2026/01/nige...
Quite.
leftfootforward.org/2026/01/nige...
Last ones - 1. Green party conference, when it was much smaller and weirder.
2. A pilgrimage to Barry Island. I would like to apologise for wearing a blazer and flatcap on the beach. Simply baffling.
2. A pilgrimage to Barry Island. I would like to apologise for wearing a blazer and flatcap on the beach. Simply baffling.
January 16, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Last ones - 1. Green party conference, when it was much smaller and weirder.
2. A pilgrimage to Barry Island. I would like to apologise for wearing a blazer and flatcap on the beach. Simply baffling.
2. A pilgrimage to Barry Island. I would like to apologise for wearing a blazer and flatcap on the beach. Simply baffling.
Ok I'll join the 2016 throwback bandwagon...
1. Is giving budget Jeff Goldblum (internship work shot in Brussels)
2. Making a parakeet friend in Hyde Park
3. With my dear late uncle Nige in Devon
4. Token one where I don't look awful, playing Le Pub in Newport
1. Is giving budget Jeff Goldblum (internship work shot in Brussels)
2. Making a parakeet friend in Hyde Park
3. With my dear late uncle Nige in Devon
4. Token one where I don't look awful, playing Le Pub in Newport
January 16, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Ok I'll join the 2016 throwback bandwagon...
1. Is giving budget Jeff Goldblum (internship work shot in Brussels)
2. Making a parakeet friend in Hyde Park
3. With my dear late uncle Nige in Devon
4. Token one where I don't look awful, playing Le Pub in Newport
1. Is giving budget Jeff Goldblum (internship work shot in Brussels)
2. Making a parakeet friend in Hyde Park
3. With my dear late uncle Nige in Devon
4. Token one where I don't look awful, playing Le Pub in Newport
I largely stopped using X in November 2024. I keep an account there to research the far right (they're all active there, for some reason...)
I'm deleting all of my tweets now - Private Eye reports they will now be used to train Grok, Musk's perverted AI monster. Whether you like it or not. Grim.
I'm deleting all of my tweets now - Private Eye reports they will now be used to train Grok, Musk's perverted AI monster. Whether you like it or not. Grim.
January 13, 2026 at 8:12 PM
I largely stopped using X in November 2024. I keep an account there to research the far right (they're all active there, for some reason...)
I'm deleting all of my tweets now - Private Eye reports they will now be used to train Grok, Musk's perverted AI monster. Whether you like it or not. Grim.
I'm deleting all of my tweets now - Private Eye reports they will now be used to train Grok, Musk's perverted AI monster. Whether you like it or not. Grim.
👇🏼
I call on my party and my government to remove themselves entirely from X and communicate with the public where they actually participate online and can be protected from such illegality.
January 8, 2026 at 4:51 PM
👇🏼
As if public figures and institutions needed any more reasons to quit X - this is horrifying.
Just seen Grok putting the body of the victim of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis into a bikini. Digital corpse desecration now available to the public.
January 8, 2026 at 4:50 PM
As if public figures and institutions needed any more reasons to quit X - this is horrifying.
That was too boring to include, I did the shopping and cleaning (I'm a terrible cook)
January 7, 2026 at 7:51 PM
That was too boring to include, I did the shopping and cleaning (I'm a terrible cook)
More info here. Far more couples are entitled to use it than many people realise. And dads, it means you can do much longer than 2-weeks of statutory paternity leave.
www.gov.uk/shared-paren...
www.gov.uk/shared-paren...
Shared Parental Leave and Pay
You can start Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) if you're eligible and you or your partner ends your maternity or adoption leave early - eligibility, entitlement, st...
www.gov.uk
January 7, 2026 at 7:12 PM
More info here. Far more couples are entitled to use it than many people realise. And dads, it means you can do much longer than 2-weeks of statutory paternity leave.
www.gov.uk/shared-paren...
www.gov.uk/shared-paren...
Day 3 of solo Shared Parental Leave:
Watching the ducks in the morning, nursery rhymes & reading, trip to a city farm with parent pals, two naps (inc one for me), a guitar singsong, and a video call with family.
For any UK dads-to-be on here: If you haven't explored SPP, please do! It's magical.
Watching the ducks in the morning, nursery rhymes & reading, trip to a city farm with parent pals, two naps (inc one for me), a guitar singsong, and a video call with family.
For any UK dads-to-be on here: If you haven't explored SPP, please do! It's magical.
January 7, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Day 3 of solo Shared Parental Leave:
Watching the ducks in the morning, nursery rhymes & reading, trip to a city farm with parent pals, two naps (inc one for me), a guitar singsong, and a video call with family.
For any UK dads-to-be on here: If you haven't explored SPP, please do! It's magical.
Watching the ducks in the morning, nursery rhymes & reading, trip to a city farm with parent pals, two naps (inc one for me), a guitar singsong, and a video call with family.
For any UK dads-to-be on here: If you haven't explored SPP, please do! It's magical.
"The long term improvement in casualty figures as a result of, for example, seat belt legislation and reduction in drunk driving has stalled because cars are becoming more dangerous – not for their occupants but for those outside them. Yet, somehow politicians sit on their hands."
The killer cars
One of the many unfulfilled promises of the Labour government has been its commitment to a road safety strategy.
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:15 PM
"The long term improvement in casualty figures as a result of, for example, seat belt legislation and reduction in drunk driving has stalled because cars are becoming more dangerous – not for their occupants but for those outside them. Yet, somehow politicians sit on their hands."
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
🔴Reform Chairman Who Boasts of Expertise in Business ‘Compliance’ Had Ten Firms Struck off for Breaking Company Law
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
Reform Chairman Who Boasts of Expertise in Business 'Compliance' Had Ten Firms Struck off for Breaking Company Law
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:06 PM
🔴Reform Chairman Who Boasts of Expertise in Business ‘Compliance’ Had Ten Firms Struck off for Breaking Company Law
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
(finished this on an official Keep in Touch day earlier in Shared Parental Leave, fwiw - I'm not back til March)
January 5, 2026 at 2:05 PM
(finished this on an official Keep in Touch day earlier in Shared Parental Leave, fwiw - I'm not back til March)
🔴 Reform Chairman Who Boasts of Expertise in Business ‘Compliance’ Had Ten Firms Struck off for Breaking Company Law
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
Reform Chairman Who Boasts of Expertise in Business 'Compliance' Had Ten Firms Struck off for Breaking Company Law
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:03 PM
🔴 Reform Chairman Who Boasts of Expertise in Business ‘Compliance’ Had Ten Firms Struck off for Breaking Company Law
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
Exclusive: Paul Donaghy established at least 10 firms struck off by Companies House, according to official records
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/05/r...
It's really lovely. Strongly recommend it.
January 1, 2026 at 9:45 PM
It's really lovely. Strongly recommend it.
First kayak trip of 2026, on the Kennet and Avon canal. Happy new year 🎊
(PS I'm still on shared parental leave. It's been magical so far - my wife has been off at the same time. Going solo from next week. If you have any Qs about SPL get in touch)
(PS I'm still on shared parental leave. It's been magical so far - my wife has been off at the same time. Going solo from next week. If you have any Qs about SPL get in touch)
January 1, 2026 at 4:52 PM
First kayak trip of 2026, on the Kennet and Avon canal. Happy new year 🎊
(PS I'm still on shared parental leave. It's been magical so far - my wife has been off at the same time. Going solo from next week. If you have any Qs about SPL get in touch)
(PS I'm still on shared parental leave. It's been magical so far - my wife has been off at the same time. Going solo from next week. If you have any Qs about SPL get in touch)
Ha! I'd be up for that. I'm not an angler but I am a kayaker, maybe Sam could join me on the water 😆
January 1, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Ha! I'd be up for that. I'm not an angler but I am a kayaker, maybe Sam could join me on the water 😆
Happy Christmas all for tomorrow. I know it's cheesy but this place has been a ray of light this year. So thanks, and have a good one for all those who celebrate 🎉🎄
December 24, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Happy Christmas all for tomorrow. I know it's cheesy but this place has been a ray of light this year. So thanks, and have a good one for all those who celebrate 🎉🎄
This is uplifting. A much-needed round up of good news of the year.
www.positive.news/society/what...
www.positive.news/society/what...
www.positive.news/society/what...
www.positive.news/society/what...
What went right in 2025: the top 25 good news stories of the year
Scientists treated the ‘untreatable’, species bounced back, solar surged, deforestation fell, rivers were revitalised, plus more good news
www.positive.news
December 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
This is uplifting. A much-needed round up of good news of the year.
www.positive.news/society/what...
www.positive.news/society/what...
www.positive.news/society/what...
www.positive.news/society/what...
Via No 10 today: "The Secretary of State for the Environment Emma Reynolds has set out the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy. This will deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation, including plans to phase out colony cages for hens, end puppy farming and ban snare traps."
December 22, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Via No 10 today: "The Secretary of State for the Environment Emma Reynolds has set out the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy. This will deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation, including plans to phase out colony cages for hens, end puppy farming and ban snare traps."
One of the most complained about shows this year:
Headliners, GB News, 22 Jan – 1,391 complaints
Ofcom: "Complainants objected to a presenter’s comment they believed linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles [it did]. Our investigation found the live programme broke broadcasting rules."
Headliners, GB News, 22 Jan – 1,391 complaints
Ofcom: "Complainants objected to a presenter’s comment they believed linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles [it did]. Our investigation found the live programme broke broadcasting rules."
December 22, 2025 at 3:12 PM
One of the most complained about shows this year:
Headliners, GB News, 22 Jan – 1,391 complaints
Ofcom: "Complainants objected to a presenter’s comment they believed linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles [it did]. Our investigation found the live programme broke broadcasting rules."
Headliners, GB News, 22 Jan – 1,391 complaints
Ofcom: "Complainants objected to a presenter’s comment they believed linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles [it did]. Our investigation found the live programme broke broadcasting rules."
The Telegraph is the last place I'd trust to tackle misinformation. Via Private Eye
December 21, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The Telegraph is the last place I'd trust to tackle misinformation. Via Private Eye
There's a word for selling political influence for cash... (sadly Reform aren't the first to do so)
Via Private Eye
Via Private Eye
December 21, 2025 at 9:18 PM
There's a word for selling political influence for cash... (sadly Reform aren't the first to do so)
Via Private Eye
Via Private Eye
Definitely agree Govt tends to muddy the waters on devolution. I've often had to reply to Govt press releases saying "this only applies to England doesn't it" when it hasn't been clear...
December 19, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Definitely agree Govt tends to muddy the waters on devolution. I've often had to reply to Govt press releases saying "this only applies to England doesn't it" when it hasn't been clear...
Large parts of the Act apply to Scotland and Wales e.g. re. consenting for energy infrastructure
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Guide to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
www.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Large parts of the Act apply to Scotland and Wales e.g. re. consenting for energy infrastructure
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...