Lucy Fisher
@lucyfisher.ft.com
Whitehall editor at the Financial Times 🗞️
Host of the FT’s award-winning ‘Political Fix’ podcast🎙️Author 📚
Host of the FT’s award-winning ‘Political Fix’ podcast🎙️Author 📚
EXC: Four people with knowledge of the 2017 investigation into alleged bullying by Dame Antonia Romeo raised concerns about her with govt this month, ahead of her appointment as cabinet secretary today
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
Concerns were raised with Cabinet Office before Antonia Romeo appointment
Three individuals contacted Whitehall over past conduct after former consul emerged as cabinet secretary frontrunner
www.ft.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:06 PM
EXC: Four people with knowledge of the 2017 investigation into alleged bullying by Dame Antonia Romeo raised concerns about her with govt this month, ahead of her appointment as cabinet secretary today
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
Mandarin mayhem!
Latest episode of Political Fix has just dropped
Feat @stephenkb.bsky.social @greenmirandahere.bsky.social & @chris-smyth.bsky.social
This week we discuss the Whitehall briefing wars, gender politics in No 10, & if govt will lurch leftward
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Latest episode of Political Fix has just dropped
Feat @stephenkb.bsky.social @greenmirandahere.bsky.social & @chris-smyth.bsky.social
This week we discuss the Whitehall briefing wars, gender politics in No 10, & if govt will lurch leftward
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Mandarin mayhem
Podcast Episode · Political Fix · 13/02/2026 · 31m
podcasts.apple.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Mandarin mayhem!
Latest episode of Political Fix has just dropped
Feat @stephenkb.bsky.social @greenmirandahere.bsky.social & @chris-smyth.bsky.social
This week we discuss the Whitehall briefing wars, gender politics in No 10, & if govt will lurch leftward
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Latest episode of Political Fix has just dropped
Feat @stephenkb.bsky.social @greenmirandahere.bsky.social & @chris-smyth.bsky.social
This week we discuss the Whitehall briefing wars, gender politics in No 10, & if govt will lurch leftward
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Exc: Ministers and civil servants have been told to report any future conversations with Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson, in latest fallout from his ties to Epstein
From @pickardje.bsky.social, @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social & me
From @pickardje.bsky.social, @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social & me
Home - Financial Times
News, analysis and opinion from the Financial Times on the latest in markets, economics and politics
FT.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Exc: Ministers and civil servants have been told to report any future conversations with Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson, in latest fallout from his ties to Epstein
From @pickardje.bsky.social, @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social & me
From @pickardje.bsky.social, @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social & me
The battle of the mandarins rumbles on
Starmer is facing pressure to conduct a full process to appoint next cab sec, amid warnings a rush job will undermine winner - even from supporters of Antonia Romeo
Former cab sec Lord Wilson, and raft of ex-perm secs speak to FT
www.ft.com/content/43e9...
Starmer is facing pressure to conduct a full process to appoint next cab sec, amid warnings a rush job will undermine winner - even from supporters of Antonia Romeo
Former cab sec Lord Wilson, and raft of ex-perm secs speak to FT
www.ft.com/content/43e9...
Starmer urged to go slow on replacing ousted head of civil service
Several ex-mandarins say full process should take place rather than swift appointment of frontrunner Romeo
www.ft.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:44 AM
The battle of the mandarins rumbles on
Starmer is facing pressure to conduct a full process to appoint next cab sec, amid warnings a rush job will undermine winner - even from supporters of Antonia Romeo
Former cab sec Lord Wilson, and raft of ex-perm secs speak to FT
www.ft.com/content/43e9...
Starmer is facing pressure to conduct a full process to appoint next cab sec, amid warnings a rush job will undermine winner - even from supporters of Antonia Romeo
Former cab sec Lord Wilson, and raft of ex-perm secs speak to FT
www.ft.com/content/43e9...
EXC: Starmer is set to call for new multinational defence initiative, which could finance & oversee joint weapons procurement, driving down cost of rearmament
PM will use Munich Security Conference to make the case for the new mechanism
w/ Sam Fleming
www.ft.com/content/28e1...
PM will use Munich Security Conference to make the case for the new mechanism
w/ Sam Fleming
www.ft.com/content/28e1...
Starmer set to call for multinational defence initiative to cut cost of rearmament
UK prime minister expected to push the idea of enhanced co-operation at the Munich Security Conference
www.ft.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:40 AM
EXC: Starmer is set to call for new multinational defence initiative, which could finance & oversee joint weapons procurement, driving down cost of rearmament
PM will use Munich Security Conference to make the case for the new mechanism
w/ Sam Fleming
www.ft.com/content/28e1...
PM will use Munich Security Conference to make the case for the new mechanism
w/ Sam Fleming
www.ft.com/content/28e1...
Latest episode of POLITICAL FIX has just dropped...
Mandelson, money - and the risk to the prime minister
Feat @PickardJE, @stephenkb & @AArmstrong_says
Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts 📻🎧
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
Mandelson, money - and the risk to the prime minister
Feat @PickardJE, @stephenkb & @AArmstrong_says
Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts 📻🎧
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
Mandelson, money - and the risk to the prime minister
Podcast Episode · Political Fix · 06/02/2026 · 34m
podcasts.apple.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Latest episode of POLITICAL FIX has just dropped...
Mandelson, money - and the risk to the prime minister
Feat @PickardJE, @stephenkb & @AArmstrong_says
Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts 📻🎧
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
Mandelson, money - and the risk to the prime minister
Feat @PickardJE, @stephenkb & @AArmstrong_says
Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts 📻🎧
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
EXC: Residents living next to China’s proposed “mega” embassy in London have taken the first formal step in pursuit of a judicial review of govt’s approval for the diplomatic complex
www.ft.com/content/c5ca...
www.ft.com/content/c5ca...
Neighbours of proposed Chinese ‘mega’ embassy seek judicial review
Residents of properties with Beijing-owned freehold set out legal arguments
www.ft.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM
EXC: Residents living next to China’s proposed “mega” embassy in London have taken the first formal step in pursuit of a judicial review of govt’s approval for the diplomatic complex
www.ft.com/content/c5ca...
www.ft.com/content/c5ca...
EXC: US State dept is set to fund Maga-aligned think-tanks and charities in UK/ Europe to amplify Washington’s policy stances and challenge perceived threats to free speech
W/ @annasophiegross.bsky.social, @oilsheppard.bsky.social & Amy McKinnon
as.ft.com/r/98452b33-5...
W/ @annasophiegross.bsky.social, @oilsheppard.bsky.social & Amy McKinnon
as.ft.com/r/98452b33-5...
US government to fund Maga-aligned think-tanks and charities in Europe
[FREE TO READ] State department grants to spread ‘American values’ are part of Washington’s 250th anniversary celebrations
as.ft.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:43 AM
EXC: US State dept is set to fund Maga-aligned think-tanks and charities in UK/ Europe to amplify Washington’s policy stances and challenge perceived threats to free speech
W/ @annasophiegross.bsky.social, @oilsheppard.bsky.social & Amy McKinnon
as.ft.com/r/98452b33-5...
W/ @annasophiegross.bsky.social, @oilsheppard.bsky.social & Amy McKinnon
as.ft.com/r/98452b33-5...
EXC: Mandelson sought advice from Epstein on setting up his advisory firm, Global Counsel, including how to target potential new clients such as the Chinese government
w/ @ashleyarmstrong.bsky.social & @pickardje.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/13d2...
w/ @ashleyarmstrong.bsky.social & @pickardje.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/13d2...
Peter Mandelson sought help from Jeffrey Epstein on setting up advisory firm
Emails from 2010 show former UK minister asking child sex offender how to win political and corporate clients
www.ft.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:53 PM
EXC: Mandelson sought advice from Epstein on setting up his advisory firm, Global Counsel, including how to target potential new clients such as the Chinese government
w/ @ashleyarmstrong.bsky.social & @pickardje.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/13d2...
w/ @ashleyarmstrong.bsky.social & @pickardje.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/13d2...
Keir Starmer is convening advisers today to try and break the deadlock on delayed Defence Investment Plan, with other crucial convos lined up by PM
Govt officials are examining ‘creative solutions’ to override defence funding gap of up to £28bn over 10 years
www.ft.com/content/4458...
Govt officials are examining ‘creative solutions’ to override defence funding gap of up to £28bn over 10 years
www.ft.com/content/4458...
Keir Starmer seeks to push forward with delayed defence investment plan
Meeting convened by UK prime minister comes as officials examine ways of overriding multibillion-pound funding gap
www.ft.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Keir Starmer is convening advisers today to try and break the deadlock on delayed Defence Investment Plan, with other crucial convos lined up by PM
Govt officials are examining ‘creative solutions’ to override defence funding gap of up to £28bn over 10 years
www.ft.com/content/4458...
Govt officials are examining ‘creative solutions’ to override defence funding gap of up to £28bn over 10 years
www.ft.com/content/4458...
Reposted by Lucy Fisher
Apart from everything else, a reminder why you should invest in quality journalism.
Buy a paper.
Buy a paper.
The brilliant @pickardje.bsky.social and @pmdfoster.bsky.social have been on to the extraordinary story about Epstein paying Mandelson’s husband thousands of pounds in 2009-10 since September
Their account is a must-read, with details you won’t get anywhere else
www.ft.com/content/608a...
Their account is a must-read, with details you won’t get anywhere else
www.ft.com/content/608a...
How Peter Mandelson’s Jeffrey Epstein links were exposed
Documents disclosed on Friday revealed payments from disgraced financier to former power broker’s husband
www.ft.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Apart from everything else, a reminder why you should invest in quality journalism.
Buy a paper.
Buy a paper.
The brilliant @pickardje.bsky.social and @pmdfoster.bsky.social have been on to the extraordinary story about Epstein paying Mandelson’s husband thousands of pounds in 2009-10 since September
Their account is a must-read, with details you won’t get anywhere else
www.ft.com/content/608a...
Their account is a must-read, with details you won’t get anywhere else
www.ft.com/content/608a...
How Peter Mandelson’s Jeffrey Epstein links were exposed
Documents disclosed on Friday revealed payments from disgraced financier to former power broker’s husband
www.ft.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:18 PM
The brilliant @pickardje.bsky.social and @pmdfoster.bsky.social have been on to the extraordinary story about Epstein paying Mandelson’s husband thousands of pounds in 2009-10 since September
Their account is a must-read, with details you won’t get anywhere else
www.ft.com/content/608a...
Their account is a must-read, with details you won’t get anywhere else
www.ft.com/content/608a...
Chinese whispers — at home and abroad 🇨🇳
On Political Fix this week, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @pickardje.bsky.social & @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social examine whether Starmer will last the year
+ @georgewparker.bsky.social beams in w/ top analysis from Shanghai
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
On Political Fix this week, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @pickardje.bsky.social & @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social examine whether Starmer will last the year
+ @georgewparker.bsky.social beams in w/ top analysis from Shanghai
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Chinese whispers - at home and abroad
Podcast Episode · Political Fix · 30/01/2026 · 37m
podcasts.apple.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Chinese whispers — at home and abroad 🇨🇳
On Political Fix this week, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @pickardje.bsky.social & @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social examine whether Starmer will last the year
+ @georgewparker.bsky.social beams in w/ top analysis from Shanghai
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
On Political Fix this week, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @pickardje.bsky.social & @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social examine whether Starmer will last the year
+ @georgewparker.bsky.social beams in w/ top analysis from Shanghai
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/p...
Ha! Looks like DSIT was forced to take down a training module about intellectual property rights on its new £4mn 'AI Skills Hub' straight after launch this week… in a bungle involving an intellectual property breach 🤦♂️
Uncovered by Graham Lovelace 👇
grahamlovelace.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Uncovered by Graham Lovelace 👇
grahamlovelace.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
EXCLUSIVE: UK government is embroiled in controversy over flagship AI training hub
Course not for UK used 'without permission' says e-learning firm
grahamlovelace.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Ha! Looks like DSIT was forced to take down a training module about intellectual property rights on its new £4mn 'AI Skills Hub' straight after launch this week… in a bungle involving an intellectual property breach 🤦♂️
Uncovered by Graham Lovelace 👇
grahamlovelace.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Uncovered by Graham Lovelace 👇
grahamlovelace.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
So thrilled we won ‘story of the year’ for the Afghan Files at the Political Podcast Awards last night! 🏆
Congrats to all the FT Political Fix team!!
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social, @lulusmyth.bsky.social, @georgewparker.bsky.social, Flo and the rest of the gang
Congrats to all the FT Political Fix team!!
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social, @lulusmyth.bsky.social, @georgewparker.bsky.social, Flo and the rest of the gang
January 29, 2026 at 6:50 PM
So thrilled we won ‘story of the year’ for the Afghan Files at the Political Podcast Awards last night! 🏆
Congrats to all the FT Political Fix team!!
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social, @lulusmyth.bsky.social, @georgewparker.bsky.social, Flo and the rest of the gang
Congrats to all the FT Political Fix team!!
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social, @lulusmyth.bsky.social, @georgewparker.bsky.social, Flo and the rest of the gang
John Healey launches new fund to accelerate contracts for UK military start-ups, as MoD seeks to diversify away from the industry giants
Def sec says govt must ‘reward risk-takers’ & ‘jump start’ entrepreneurialism in the homegrown defence tech sector
as.ft.com/r/3dd3fb02-f...
Def sec says govt must ‘reward risk-takers’ & ‘jump start’ entrepreneurialism in the homegrown defence tech sector
as.ft.com/r/3dd3fb02-f...
UK launches £20mn fund for military tech start-ups
[FREE TO READ] Defence secretary John Healey wants to help small and mid-sized defence companies win government contracts
as.ft.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:51 AM
John Healey launches new fund to accelerate contracts for UK military start-ups, as MoD seeks to diversify away from the industry giants
Def sec says govt must ‘reward risk-takers’ & ‘jump start’ entrepreneurialism in the homegrown defence tech sector
as.ft.com/r/3dd3fb02-f...
Def sec says govt must ‘reward risk-takers’ & ‘jump start’ entrepreneurialism in the homegrown defence tech sector
as.ft.com/r/3dd3fb02-f...
EXC: UK govt planning to tighten scrutiny of China in its Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) this year
Officials are crafting bespoke option to put some Chinese entities into ‘enhanced tier’, without lumping Beijing wholesale in same tier as Russia/Iran
as.ft.com/r/24301366-1...
Officials are crafting bespoke option to put some Chinese entities into ‘enhanced tier’, without lumping Beijing wholesale in same tier as Russia/Iran
as.ft.com/r/24301366-1...
Government plans to tighten scrutiny of Chinese influence in UK
[FREE TO READ] Sir Keir Starmer seeks to bolster registration scheme while still deepening Sino-British relations
as.ft.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:54 AM
EXC: UK govt planning to tighten scrutiny of China in its Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) this year
Officials are crafting bespoke option to put some Chinese entities into ‘enhanced tier’, without lumping Beijing wholesale in same tier as Russia/Iran
as.ft.com/r/24301366-1...
Officials are crafting bespoke option to put some Chinese entities into ‘enhanced tier’, without lumping Beijing wholesale in same tier as Russia/Iran
as.ft.com/r/24301366-1...
EXC: The multibillion-pound contract to build ‘Skynet 6’ next-gen military satellites is shaping up as key flashpoint in UK govt, as Trump’s threats to western allies are fuelling concern about London’s reliance on Washington for defence
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Trump threats fuel concern over UK reliance on US defence and military satellites
Contest between Airbus and Lockheed Martin to supply SkyNet 6 programme has become lightning rod for Whitehall debate
giftarticle.ft.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:08 AM
EXC: The multibillion-pound contract to build ‘Skynet 6’ next-gen military satellites is shaping up as key flashpoint in UK govt, as Trump’s threats to western allies are fuelling concern about London’s reliance on Washington for defence
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
NEW: Govt defeated on amendment for an under-16s social media ban in House of Lords by 111 votes
Peers voted by 261 to 150 to approve a Tory-led, cross-party amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, heaping pressure on Starmer to take tougher action than consultation unveiled this week
Peers voted by 261 to 150 to approve a Tory-led, cross-party amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, heaping pressure on Starmer to take tougher action than consultation unveiled this week
January 21, 2026 at 8:59 PM
NEW: Govt defeated on amendment for an under-16s social media ban in House of Lords by 111 votes
Peers voted by 261 to 150 to approve a Tory-led, cross-party amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, heaping pressure on Starmer to take tougher action than consultation unveiled this week
Peers voted by 261 to 150 to approve a Tory-led, cross-party amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, heaping pressure on Starmer to take tougher action than consultation unveiled this week
Well this is nice…
Political Fix nominated for two awards at the @inhousecomms.bsky.social Political Podcast awards — ‘story of the year’ and ‘producer of the year’
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social really is the best in the biz - thrilled to see her on the shortlist! 💪
Political Fix nominated for two awards at the @inhousecomms.bsky.social Political Podcast awards — ‘story of the year’ and ‘producer of the year’
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social really is the best in the biz - thrilled to see her on the shortlist! 💪
November 25, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Well this is nice…
Political Fix nominated for two awards at the @inhousecomms.bsky.social Political Podcast awards — ‘story of the year’ and ‘producer of the year’
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social really is the best in the biz - thrilled to see her on the shortlist! 💪
Political Fix nominated for two awards at the @inhousecomms.bsky.social Political Podcast awards — ‘story of the year’ and ‘producer of the year’
@manuelasaragosa.bsky.social really is the best in the biz - thrilled to see her on the shortlist! 💪
Lovely weekend at Cheltenham Literature Festival — thanks for having me #CheltLitFest 📚🎙️
October 12, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Lovely weekend at Cheltenham Literature Festival — thanks for having me #CheltLitFest 📚🎙️
Great fun appearing at the #ftweekendfestival for a Political Fix / Swamp Notes mash up today
@georgewparker.bsky.social, Brooke Masters, Marc Filippino & I chatted Anglo-American politics and podcasts
(And away from a snotty 3 month old & a sticky-fingered 3 year old, I dared to wear cream…)
@georgewparker.bsky.social, Brooke Masters, Marc Filippino & I chatted Anglo-American politics and podcasts
(And away from a snotty 3 month old & a sticky-fingered 3 year old, I dared to wear cream…)
September 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Great fun appearing at the #ftweekendfestival for a Political Fix / Swamp Notes mash up today
@georgewparker.bsky.social, Brooke Masters, Marc Filippino & I chatted Anglo-American politics and podcasts
(And away from a snotty 3 month old & a sticky-fingered 3 year old, I dared to wear cream…)
@georgewparker.bsky.social, Brooke Masters, Marc Filippino & I chatted Anglo-American politics and podcasts
(And away from a snotty 3 month old & a sticky-fingered 3 year old, I dared to wear cream…)
Reposted by Lucy Fisher
🎧The Afghan data breach, super-injunctions, scandal, scrutiny...
With @lucyfisher.ft.com dialling up to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast studio to join @cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social & @gemmatetlow.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
With @lucyfisher.ft.com dialling up to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast studio to join @cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social & @gemmatetlow.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
The scandal and the superinjunction | Institute for Government
The FT’s Lucy Fisher joins the podcast team to discuss who is to blame for the Afghan data leak.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
July 19, 2025 at 7:27 AM
🎧The Afghan data breach, super-injunctions, scandal, scrutiny...
With @lucyfisher.ft.com dialling up to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast studio to join @cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social & @gemmatetlow.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
With @lucyfisher.ft.com dialling up to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast studio to join @cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social & @gemmatetlow.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Reposted by Lucy Fisher
in this week’s FT Political Fix podcast our Whitehall editor @lucyfisher.ft.com explains how she was one of the journalists to find out about the Afghan files, only to get hit with the government’s unprecedented super-injunction
www.ft.com/content/46bf...
www.ft.com/content/46bf...
The Afghan Files: the inside story on the catastrophic leak
Plus: is Reeves’ pro-risk stance the right one?
www.ft.com
July 19, 2025 at 7:56 AM
in this week’s FT Political Fix podcast our Whitehall editor @lucyfisher.ft.com explains how she was one of the journalists to find out about the Afghan files, only to get hit with the government’s unprecedented super-injunction
www.ft.com/content/46bf...
www.ft.com/content/46bf...
🤔 Curious that No 10 briefed today that Kemi Badenoch, as leader of opposition, turned down a briefing on the Afghan data leak
When Labour were in opposition, a briefing on the same data breach was offered to Keir Starmer in December 2023... and John Healey turned it down on his behalf
When Labour were in opposition, a briefing on the same data breach was offered to Keir Starmer in December 2023... and John Healey turned it down on his behalf
July 16, 2025 at 8:35 PM
🤔 Curious that No 10 briefed today that Kemi Badenoch, as leader of opposition, turned down a briefing on the Afghan data leak
When Labour were in opposition, a briefing on the same data breach was offered to Keir Starmer in December 2023... and John Healey turned it down on his behalf
When Labour were in opposition, a briefing on the same data breach was offered to Keir Starmer in December 2023... and John Healey turned it down on his behalf