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...
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.
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...
🔴 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...
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)
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
This is huge if even part of this potential is realised.
"The fund will unlock up to 19 GW of offshore wind in the immediate term, providing the country with the homegrown energy to deliver clean power by 2030 and protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"The fund will unlock up to 19 GW of offshore wind in the immediate term, providing the country with the homegrown energy to deliver clean power by 2030 and protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
New push to unlock enough electricity to power two cities the size of London and boost nature recovery
Marine Recovery Fund to get nature thriving and accelerate offshore wind development
www.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 10:23 PM
This is huge if even part of this potential is realised.
"The fund will unlock up to 19 GW of offshore wind in the immediate term, providing the country with the homegrown energy to deliver clean power by 2030 and protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"The fund will unlock up to 19 GW of offshore wind in the immediate term, providing the country with the homegrown energy to deliver clean power by 2030 and protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"New powers that come into force on Thursday 18 Dec will allow reservoirs to be built faster, enable a new scheme to slash energy bills for people living near pylons by up to £2,500, and support clean power projects being prioritised for grid connections to bolster Britain’s energy security."
Landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill becomes law
The government's landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill has received Royal Assent today.
www.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 10:23 PM
"New powers that come into force on Thursday 18 Dec will allow reservoirs to be built faster, enable a new scheme to slash energy bills for people living near pylons by up to £2,500, and support clean power projects being prioritised for grid connections to bolster Britain’s energy security."
"AI’s biggest impact [in elections this year] wasn’t a single “fake video,” but the thinning of the truth. The sheer volume of AI content led to “liar’s dividend,” where politicians could claim real scandals were “just AI deepfakes.”
open.substack.com/pub/aiandpol...
open.substack.com/pub/aiandpol...
The AI and Politics year in review
It's a wrap on 2025!
open.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:34 PM
"AI’s biggest impact [in elections this year] wasn’t a single “fake video,” but the thinning of the truth. The sheer volume of AI content led to “liar’s dividend,” where politicians could claim real scandals were “just AI deepfakes.”
open.substack.com/pub/aiandpol...
open.substack.com/pub/aiandpol...
The Foreign Office has been issued with an enforcement notice by the Information Commissioner’s Office for “unacceptable” delays in responding to Freedom of Information requests “for a number of years” (ICO via Press Gazette)
ico.org.uk/action-weve-...
ico.org.uk/action-weve-...
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
ico.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The Foreign Office has been issued with an enforcement notice by the Information Commissioner’s Office for “unacceptable” delays in responding to Freedom of Information requests “for a number of years” (ICO via Press Gazette)
ico.org.uk/action-weve-...
ico.org.uk/action-weve-...
"National Union of Journalists Wales has condemned attacks on Welsh media by Reform UK, citing comments made by Nigel Farage about BBC Wales director Rhuanedd Richards and legal threats against the NationCymru news website."
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
NUJ Wales condemns Reform UK’s threats and smears against journalists
The NUJ’s Welsh Executive Council (WEC) has strongly condemned recent attacks by Reform UK on journalists in Wales.
www.nuj.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 10:48 AM
"National Union of Journalists Wales has condemned attacks on Welsh media by Reform UK, citing comments made by Nigel Farage about BBC Wales director Rhuanedd Richards and legal threats against the NationCymru news website."
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
Press Gazette: "GB News issued a high-profile apology this week to the mother of Meghan Markle, Doria Ragland, after a totally inaccurate and shocking claim.
Carole Malone who made the remarks has blamed misinfo she had seen online. But she had previously doubled down on the debunked comments...
Carole Malone who made the remarks has blamed misinfo she had seen online. But she had previously doubled down on the debunked comments...
GB News apologises to Meghan Markle's mother over false prison claim
GB News has apologised on air to the mother of Meghan Markle, Doria Ragland, after a presenter wrongly claimed she had spent time in prison.
pressgazette.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Press Gazette: "GB News issued a high-profile apology this week to the mother of Meghan Markle, Doria Ragland, after a totally inaccurate and shocking claim.
Carole Malone who made the remarks has blamed misinfo she had seen online. But she had previously doubled down on the debunked comments...
Carole Malone who made the remarks has blamed misinfo she had seen online. But she had previously doubled down on the debunked comments...
Excellent news. Hopefully this gives the upcoming Elections Bill a shot in the arm
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politics
Review, which will focus on effectiveness of political finance laws, follows conviction of former Reform politician for accepting bribes
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Excellent news. Hopefully this gives the upcoming Elections Bill a shot in the arm
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
Uk to rejoin Erasmus scheme - set to be confirmed formally tomorrow
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme
Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Uk to rejoin Erasmus scheme - set to be confirmed formally tomorrow
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
The Culture Sec has launched the review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, aiming to "bolster trust in the broadcaster and put it on a sustainable financial footing"
Nandy is looking at options to ensure the BBC is "sustainably funded for decades to come...being independent and accountable to the public."
Nandy is looking at options to ensure the BBC is "sustainably funded for decades to come...being independent and accountable to the public."
December 16, 2025 at 9:50 AM
The Culture Sec has launched the review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, aiming to "bolster trust in the broadcaster and put it on a sustainable financial footing"
Nandy is looking at options to ensure the BBC is "sustainably funded for decades to come...being independent and accountable to the public."
Nandy is looking at options to ensure the BBC is "sustainably funded for decades to come...being independent and accountable to the public."