Lang Rabbie
@langrabbie.bsky.social
Not an architect but prone to concrete fetishism
Palimpsestian
Scot with a Nottinghamshire childhood now residing in London SW2's debatable lands
C19th Liberalism tempered by teenage Marxism Today habit
Palimpsestian
Scot with a Nottinghamshire childhood now residing in London SW2's debatable lands
C19th Liberalism tempered by teenage Marxism Today habit
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Very informative short thread this.
Here's the real reason the government keeps freezing the student loan threshold
The part of the loan that's repaid is classed as an asset on Treasury spreadsheets. But when plan 2 student loans started to be repaid, the percentage received back was less than expected...
1/4
The part of the loan that's repaid is classed as an asset on Treasury spreadsheets. But when plan 2 student loans started to be repaid, the percentage received back was less than expected...
1/4
February 15, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Very informative short thread this.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
This is an extraordinary interview in which the former FCDO perm sec basically tells No 10 not to appoint Antonia Romeo to be cab sec, and that they should talk to him about her record.
‘Due diligence vitally important’ in next top civil servant appointment – Lord McDonald
www.channel4.com/news/due-dil...
www.channel4.com/news/due-dil...
‘Due diligence vitally important’ in next top civil servant appointment – Lord McDonald
Another high profile departure from No 10 in the wake of the Mandelson scandal is due to be Britain's top civil servant.
www.channel4.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:42 PM
This is an extraordinary interview in which the former FCDO perm sec basically tells No 10 not to appoint Antonia Romeo to be cab sec, and that they should talk to him about her record.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
they pissed off the WeRateDogs guy enough from him to break character to directly tell them off, that's genuinely impressive levels of being an asshole
February 10, 2026 at 8:22 PM
they pissed off the WeRateDogs guy enough from him to break character to directly tell them off, that's genuinely impressive levels of being an asshole
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
If Sir Chris Wormald is, as is being widely briefed, due to leave his role imminently, his successor will be the *fifth* person to hold the office of Cabinet Secretary since 2016
EXCL: Chris Wormald, the most senior civil servant in Downing Street, is negotiating his exit as part of a wider shakeup of Keir Starmer’s operation after dramatic day - @kiranstacey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Top civil servant could become third key No 10 departure in days
Exclusive: Cabinet secretary Chris Wormald is expected to follow Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan out the door
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:23 AM
If Sir Chris Wormald is, as is being widely briefed, due to leave his role imminently, his successor will be the *fifth* person to hold the office of Cabinet Secretary since 2016
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
So it looks like Chris Wormald will be leaving his job as cabinet secretary
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
February 10, 2026 at 7:37 AM
So it looks like Chris Wormald will be leaving his job as cabinet secretary
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
My thread when Wormald was appointed. Looks like the negatives outweighed the positives for Starmer in the end.
Chris Wormald - the balance sheet. In favour:
1. vastly experienced (much, much more than Case). Run two v big budget depts. also held senior role in what is now MHCLG; done time at the centre as head of EDS and heading Clegg office. former head of policy profession.
1. vastly experienced (much, much more than Case). Run two v big budget depts. also held senior role in what is now MHCLG; done time at the centre as head of EDS and heading Clegg office. former head of policy profession.
February 10, 2026 at 12:24 PM
My thread when Wormald was appointed. Looks like the negatives outweighed the positives for Starmer in the end.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
This is increasingly unhinged. The Cabinet Secretary post has become a shortlived political appointment. It is supposed to be the single continuity on which the entire UK government machinery rests. Not saying Wormald is blameless. But if there is this much blame, there's a certain PM needing to go.
My understanding is that the Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald has already been sacked, happened yesterday and is only remaining in post to discuss terms.
Complete No 10 clearout.
Complete No 10 clearout.
February 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM
This is increasingly unhinged. The Cabinet Secretary post has become a shortlived political appointment. It is supposed to be the single continuity on which the entire UK government machinery rests. Not saying Wormald is blameless. But if there is this much blame, there's a certain PM needing to go.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
This from The Times newsletter is also.. not right.
As Cabinet Manual sets out, PM appts on basis of advice from outgoing Cab Sec and 1st CS Commissioner.
PM is not at all dependent on those previously shortlisted. And can make a direct appt with minimal process (if that person is appropriate)
As Cabinet Manual sets out, PM appts on basis of advice from outgoing Cab Sec and 1st CS Commissioner.
PM is not at all dependent on those previously shortlisted. And can make a direct appt with minimal process (if that person is appropriate)
February 10, 2026 at 10:39 AM
This from The Times newsletter is also.. not right.
As Cabinet Manual sets out, PM appts on basis of advice from outgoing Cab Sec and 1st CS Commissioner.
PM is not at all dependent on those previously shortlisted. And can make a direct appt with minimal process (if that person is appropriate)
As Cabinet Manual sets out, PM appts on basis of advice from outgoing Cab Sec and 1st CS Commissioner.
PM is not at all dependent on those previously shortlisted. And can make a direct appt with minimal process (if that person is appropriate)
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Reform UK are seeking to fob off blame for their illegal leaflet on a printer error. That won’t stand up with the police - responsibility for making sure the law is followed lies with the party commissioning and distributing the leaflets.
February 8, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Reform UK are seeking to fob off blame for their illegal leaflet on a printer error. That won’t stand up with the police - responsibility for making sure the law is followed lies with the party commissioning and distributing the leaflets.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
The ridiculous arrogance of Morgan McSweeney #57.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
Morgan McSweeney has resigned from government
Statement in full;
Statement in full;
February 8, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The ridiculous arrogance of Morgan McSweeney #57.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
kind of funny that an olympian said they are here to represent "compassion, respect, and love for others" and some people automatically knew that was a statement against them
February 7, 2026 at 10:25 PM
kind of funny that an olympian said they are here to represent "compassion, respect, and love for others" and some people automatically knew that was a statement against them
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Morgan McSweeney has resigned
Lots of reasons for it but among them is our revelation on Thursday evening that McSweeney’s think tank paid a PR firm to investigate journalists.
McSweeney was across that decision.
Still so many questions to answer about it
Lots of reasons for it but among them is our revelation on Thursday evening that McSweeney’s think tank paid a PR firm to investigate journalists.
McSweeney was across that decision.
Still so many questions to answer about it
🔴 BREAKING: Labour Together paid controversial PR firm £30k to investigate journalists who were digging into how its undeclared funding
Reporters from Sunday Times, Guardian and other outlets targetted
*And* Morgan McSweeney knew about it
Full story:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Reporters from Sunday Times, Guardian and other outlets targetted
*And* Morgan McSweeney knew about it
Full story:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
BREAKING: McSweeney’s think tank paid PR firm to investigate journalists
Labour Together put private investigators onto journalists writing about its funding. Starmer's right-hand man knew.
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Morgan McSweeney has resigned
Lots of reasons for it but among them is our revelation on Thursday evening that McSweeney’s think tank paid a PR firm to investigate journalists.
McSweeney was across that decision.
Still so many questions to answer about it
Lots of reasons for it but among them is our revelation on Thursday evening that McSweeney’s think tank paid a PR firm to investigate journalists.
McSweeney was across that decision.
Still so many questions to answer about it
The ridiculous arrogance of Morgan McSweeney #57.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
Morgan McSweeney has resigned from government
Statement in full;
Statement in full;
February 8, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The ridiculous arrogance of Morgan McSweeney #57.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
He announces that he has "resigned from the government".
I don't recall HM The King having appointed Mr McSweeney either to a Ministerial office or any those positions in the Royal Household that ludicrously also still form part of the government.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Time for McSweeney to move to the phase of his career where he writes the same column monthly saying that the Govt’s woes are a consequence of them having failed to stay the course he charted for them.
February 8, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Time for McSweeney to move to the phase of his career where he writes the same column monthly saying that the Govt’s woes are a consequence of them having failed to stay the course he charted for them.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
So Team Starmer couldn’t ’possibly have known’ Mandelson was lying about his relationship with a convicted paedophile. Despite mountains of publicly available evidence.
Yet they spent £30,000 on private investigators trying to dig dirt on journalists who asked them troublesome questions? 🤔
Yet they spent £30,000 on private investigators trying to dig dirt on journalists who asked them troublesome questions? 🤔
🔴 BREAKING: Labour Together paid controversial PR firm £30k to investigate journalists who were digging into how its undeclared funding
Reporters from Sunday Times, Guardian and other outlets targetted
*And* Morgan McSweeney knew about it
Full story:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Reporters from Sunday Times, Guardian and other outlets targetted
*And* Morgan McSweeney knew about it
Full story:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
BREAKING: McSweeney’s think tank paid PR firm to investigate journalists
Labour Together put private investigators onto journalists writing about its funding. Starmer's right-hand man knew.
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:30 PM
So Team Starmer couldn’t ’possibly have known’ Mandelson was lying about his relationship with a convicted paedophile. Despite mountains of publicly available evidence.
Yet they spent £30,000 on private investigators trying to dig dirt on journalists who asked them troublesome questions? 🤔
Yet they spent £30,000 on private investigators trying to dig dirt on journalists who asked them troublesome questions? 🤔
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
There's a proper data story on Labour Together as well. According to 'Get In', McSweeny just decided to give all their data to Starmer and presented the rest of the board with a fait accompli, and refused to share it with anyone else. That does not sound legit.
🔴 BREAKING: Labour Together paid controversial PR firm £30k to investigate journalists who were digging into how its undeclared funding
Reporters from Sunday Times, Guardian and other outlets targetted
*And* Morgan McSweeney knew about it
Full story:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Reporters from Sunday Times, Guardian and other outlets targetted
*And* Morgan McSweeney knew about it
Full story:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
BREAKING: McSweeney’s think tank paid PR firm to investigate journalists
Labour Together put private investigators onto journalists writing about its funding. Starmer's right-hand man knew.
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:27 PM
There's a proper data story on Labour Together as well. According to 'Get In', McSweeny just decided to give all their data to Starmer and presented the rest of the board with a fait accompli, and refused to share it with anyone else. That does not sound legit.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Anyone who thinks what's happening is the worst political scandal this century, in this country should take a stroll down to the Covid Memorial Wall.
February 5, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Anyone who thinks what's happening is the worst political scandal this century, in this country should take a stroll down to the Covid Memorial Wall.
The unregistered Wigan site has "escheated" to Duchy of Lancaster (private estate of the Crown) that funds the King's Privy Purse.
Why doesn't the Duchy spend some of the millions it has accumulated in "bona vacantia" from inhabitants of the County Palatine of Lancashire who die without wills?
Why doesn't the Duchy spend some of the millions it has accumulated in "bona vacantia" from inhabitants of the County Palatine of Lancashire who die without wills?
Peer urges Environment Agency to clean up 25,000-tonne illegal waste dump next to a primary school in Wigan which presents “a grave environmental hazard”
Fumes, rats and maggots: peer urges Environment Agency to clear illegal dump in Wigan
Shas Sheehan challenges refusal to remove 25,000 tonnes of waste causing ‘grave environmental hazard’ near school
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:50 PM
The unregistered Wigan site has "escheated" to Duchy of Lancaster (private estate of the Crown) that funds the King's Privy Purse.
Why doesn't the Duchy spend some of the millions it has accumulated in "bona vacantia" from inhabitants of the County Palatine of Lancashire who die without wills?
Why doesn't the Duchy spend some of the millions it has accumulated in "bona vacantia" from inhabitants of the County Palatine of Lancashire who die without wills?
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
May 2012. The height of the Eurozone crisis.
Peter Mandelson was very focussed:
Peter Mandelson was very focussed:
February 5, 2026 at 3:05 PM
May 2012. The height of the Eurozone crisis.
Peter Mandelson was very focussed:
Peter Mandelson was very focussed:
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Weird and almost universal revisionism today. Even at the time, it was pretty clear that Mandelson wasn't appointed *despite* his dodgy links but *because* of them. Trump's Washington is a dirty swamp. Mandelson was deemed a man able to swim in it. This wasn't a secret. Everybody said it out loud.
February 4, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Weird and almost universal revisionism today. Even at the time, it was pretty clear that Mandelson wasn't appointed *despite* his dodgy links but *because* of them. Trump's Washington is a dirty swamp. Mandelson was deemed a man able to swim in it. This wasn't a secret. Everybody said it out loud.
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
True fact: Emily Thornberry was the *ONLY* MP to comment in parliament on Mandelson's appointment in the nine months before the scandal broke.
(She called it "inspired", but let's glide past that.)
(She called it "inspired", but let's glide past that.)
One thing about this debate is that it's a slew of Labour MP's who Starmer has spurned for one reason or another, almost all women, going in studs first.
Thornberry showing how good she is here.
Thornberry showing how good she is here.
February 4, 2026 at 4:22 PM
True fact: Emily Thornberry was the *ONLY* MP to comment in parliament on Mandelson's appointment in the nine months before the scandal broke.
(She called it "inspired", but let's glide past that.)
(She called it "inspired", but let's glide past that.)
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Peter Mandelson is telling the truth on one thing: the idea he was bought for a $4k “bursary” or a $75k gift is ridiculous
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
February 4, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Peter Mandelson is telling the truth on one thing: the idea he was bought for a $4k “bursary” or a $75k gift is ridiculous
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
Reposted by Lang Rabbie
Hot Take 2: if this is Mandelson's position, there is no reason for him not to issue a statement to this effect. If he has not issued a statement to this effect, the BBC's "understanding" of his actual position may be inaccurate. Stop letting people play this game.
February 4, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Hot Take 2: if this is Mandelson's position, there is no reason for him not to issue a statement to this effect. If he has not issued a statement to this effect, the BBC's "understanding" of his actual position may be inaccurate. Stop letting people play this game.
The artist here displaying equally scant regard for both dinosaur physiology and the construction of Tower Bridge bascules.
Art from a contemporary promotion for "THE LOST WORLD" (1925).
#kaiju #Sizesky #fantasy #silentmovie #dinosaur #movieposter
#kaiju #Sizesky #fantasy #silentmovie #dinosaur #movieposter
February 5, 2026 at 8:42 AM
The artist here displaying equally scant regard for both dinosaur physiology and the construction of Tower Bridge bascules.