Matilda Martin
@matildamartin.bsky.social
Political Reporter for PoliticsHome
🖊️ about education (and a few other things)
| prev writing for @tes
📧matilda.martin@politicshome.com
(she/her)
🖊️ about education (and a few other things)
| prev writing for @tes
📧matilda.martin@politicshome.com
(she/her)
Pinned
Matilda Martin
@matildamartin.bsky.social
· Jan 14
🗞️Totally bonkers to see a story broken by me (!) splash the front pages this morning
You can read the full @politicshome.bsky.social story at the link below
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
You can read the full @politicshome.bsky.social story at the link below
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Interview with head of National Union of Students
💥Govt could U-turn on its decision to freeze the threshold at which graduates start to pay back their student loans
💥“Very difficult” for Labour govt to “ignore” the growing debate
💥Adds to list of “many things that put Labour's re-election at risk”
💥Govt could U-turn on its decision to freeze the threshold at which graduates start to pay back their student loans
💥“Very difficult” for Labour govt to “ignore” the growing debate
💥Adds to list of “many things that put Labour's re-election at risk”
The Government Could U-Turn On Student Loan Thresholds, Says Union Head
The head of the union representing students has told PoliticsHome that she believes the government could U-turn on its decision to freeze the thres...
www.politicshome.com
February 19, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Interview with head of National Union of Students
💥Govt could U-turn on its decision to freeze the threshold at which graduates start to pay back their student loans
💥“Very difficult” for Labour govt to “ignore” the growing debate
💥Adds to list of “many things that put Labour's re-election at risk”
💥Govt could U-turn on its decision to freeze the threshold at which graduates start to pay back their student loans
💥“Very difficult” for Labour govt to “ignore” the growing debate
💥Adds to list of “many things that put Labour's re-election at risk”
BBC understands that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, BBC understands
It comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with Jeffrey Epstein.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM
BBC understands that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
Reposted by Matilda Martin
Shadow leader of the House of Commons Jesse Norman argues that the Palace of Westminster's multi-billion pound restoration and renewal scheme threatens to become another HS2
Parliament is about to make a grave mistake over its own restoration
No one disputes that the Palace of Westminster needs serious work. It faces fire risks, crumbling systems and decades of underinvestment.
www.politicshome.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Shadow leader of the House of Commons Jesse Norman argues that the Palace of Westminster's multi-billion pound restoration and renewal scheme threatens to become another HS2
In a letter seen by PoliticsHome, the government was warned by lawyers that the decision to delay some local elections would be illegal.
Story by Harriet Symonds
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Story by Harriet Symonds
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Government Abandons Plan To Delay 30 Council Elections
Keir Starmer has scrapped plans to postpone dozens of local elections.
www.politicshome.com
February 16, 2026 at 2:48 PM
In a letter seen by PoliticsHome, the government was warned by lawyers that the decision to delay some local elections would be illegal.
Story by Harriet Symonds
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Story by Harriet Symonds
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Matilda Martin
The government has U-turned on delaying some local elections, hears PolHome’s Harriet Symonds
Labour MPs have today been told that elections in 30 areas will go ahead as originally planned in May
The decision is believed to relate to new legal advice
Labour MPs have today been told that elections in 30 areas will go ahead as originally planned in May
The decision is believed to relate to new legal advice
February 16, 2026 at 2:34 PM
The government has U-turned on delaying some local elections, hears PolHome’s Harriet Symonds
Labour MPs have today been told that elections in 30 areas will go ahead as originally planned in May
The decision is believed to relate to new legal advice
Labour MPs have today been told that elections in 30 areas will go ahead as originally planned in May
The decision is believed to relate to new legal advice
Reposted by Matilda Martin
My weekend read on the issue of student loans - and why the debate is not going anywhere anytime soon
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
Can The Student Loan Genie Be Put Back In The Bottle?
The issue of student loans has exploded into life in Westminster in recent weeks, with figures across the political spectrum demanding a serious co...
www.politicshome.com
February 15, 2026 at 1:38 PM
My weekend read on the issue of student loans - and why the debate is not going anywhere anytime soon
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
Reposted by Matilda Martin
The issue of student loans has exploded in recent weeks, with figures across the political spectrum demanding a conversation about the 'Plan 2' system
-Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
-Policies are being worked on by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform UK
-Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
-Policies are being worked on by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform UK
Can The Student Loan Genie Be Put Back In The Bottle?
The issue of student loans has exploded into life in Westminster in recent weeks, with figures across the political spectrum demanding a serious co...
www.politicshome.com
February 15, 2026 at 4:58 PM
The issue of student loans has exploded in recent weeks, with figures across the political spectrum demanding a conversation about the 'Plan 2' system
-Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
-Policies are being worked on by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform UK
-Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
-Policies are being worked on by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform UK
My weekend read on the issue of student loans - and why the debate is not going anywhere anytime soon
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
Can The Student Loan Genie Be Put Back In The Bottle?
The issue of student loans has exploded into life in Westminster in recent weeks, with figures across the political spectrum demanding a serious co...
www.politicshome.com
February 15, 2026 at 1:38 PM
My weekend read on the issue of student loans - and why the debate is not going anywhere anytime soon
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
➡️Several Plan 2 Labour MPs have had discussions with sympathetic ministers
➡️Labour Together and IPPR look at what could be done
➡️Tories, Lib Dems, Reform forming policies in this area
Today marks 5 yrs since I had my first pitch accepted! (linked below)
It’s still early in my career, but advice I would give to anyone starting out is to write about what you know(&love!)
DMs always open for those pondering this career
Still thinking of how I can pitch a ballet political story…
It’s still early in my career, but advice I would give to anyone starting out is to write about what you know(&love!)
DMs always open for those pondering this career
Still thinking of how I can pitch a ballet political story…
Men en pointe: ballet dancers kick against gender stereotypes
Performing on the tips of the toes is part of the mystique of a female ballerina but male dancers devoted to the pointe technique want to be taken more seriously
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Today marks 5 yrs since I had my first pitch accepted! (linked below)
It’s still early in my career, but advice I would give to anyone starting out is to write about what you know(&love!)
DMs always open for those pondering this career
Still thinking of how I can pitch a ballet political story…
It’s still early in my career, but advice I would give to anyone starting out is to write about what you know(&love!)
DMs always open for those pondering this career
Still thinking of how I can pitch a ballet political story…
Reposted by Matilda Martin
Starmer arrives to speak to Women's PLP meeting
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
Labour Women Push Starmer To Dismantle 'Boys' Club' After Mandelson Scandal
As he prepares to address the women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Wednesday afternoon, Keir Starmer is being urged to make the Peter Mandel...
www.politicshome.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Starmer arrives to speak to Women's PLP meeting
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
Starmer arrives to speak to Women's PLP meeting
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
Labour Women Push Starmer To Dismantle 'Boys' Club' After Mandelson Scandal
As he prepares to address the women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Wednesday afternoon, Keir Starmer is being urged to make the Peter Mandel...
www.politicshome.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Starmer arrives to speak to Women's PLP meeting
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
An observation - there seems to be a lack of applause for the PM as he enters the room, compared to 30+secs we heard on Monday
Starmer has been meeting with women across the party in recent days to hear their concerns following Mandelson revelations👇
Reposted by Matilda Martin
Ahead of Starmer addressing the Women’s PLP at 1pm today we report:
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
Labour Women Push Starmer To Dismantle 'Boys' Club' After Mandelson Scandal
As he prepares to address the women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Wednesday afternoon, Keir Starmer is being urged to make the Peter Mandel...
www.politicshome.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Ahead of Starmer addressing the Women’s PLP at 1pm today we report:
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
Ahead of Starmer addressing the Women’s PLP at 1pm today we report:
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
Labour Women Push Starmer To Dismantle 'Boys' Club' After Mandelson Scandal
As he prepares to address the women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Wednesday afternoon, Keir Starmer is being urged to make the Peter Mandel...
www.politicshome.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Ahead of Starmer addressing the Women’s PLP at 1pm today we report:
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
- Starmer has been having meetings with women across the party in recent days to listen to their concerns
- Some MPs pushing for more women in Cabinet reshuffle
- What MPs think Mandelson revelations mean for VAWG strategy
From @siennarodgers.bsky.social and Harriet Symonds
- Burnham making regular visits to the campaign trail & featured prominently on some Labour campaign literature
- Labour is increasingly confident that it could win the Gorton and Denton by-election
- Burnham making regular visits to the campaign trail & featured prominently on some Labour campaign literature
- Labour is increasingly confident that it could win the Gorton and Denton by-election
Labour Still Hopes Burnham Could Deliver The Party A By-Election Win
Labour is increasingly confident that it could win the Gorton and Denton by-election – and it is relying on Andy Burnham to help hold the seat, des...
www.politicshome.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:12 AM
From @siennarodgers.bsky.social and Harriet Symonds
- Burnham making regular visits to the campaign trail & featured prominently on some Labour campaign literature
- Labour is increasingly confident that it could win the Gorton and Denton by-election
- Burnham making regular visits to the campaign trail & featured prominently on some Labour campaign literature
- Labour is increasingly confident that it could win the Gorton and Denton by-election
Reposted by Matilda Martin
It would be fair to say there is some nervousness in the university sector about what a Reform UK government would mean for institutions
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
February 10, 2026 at 9:31 PM
It would be fair to say there is some nervousness in the university sector about what a Reform UK government would mean for institutions
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
It would be fair to say there is some nervousness in the university sector about what a Reform UK government would mean for institutions
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
February 10, 2026 at 9:31 PM
It would be fair to say there is some nervousness in the university sector about what a Reform UK government would mean for institutions
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
When I questioned Zia Yusuf at the party's conference in 2025 he said: "We've got a massive issue [with universities]. Those...are indoctrination camps, sadly"
Reposted by Matilda Martin
Every four years I consider learning the rules of curling but then decide it's more enjoyable if I don't.
February 9, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Every four years I consider learning the rules of curling but then decide it's more enjoyable if I don't.
🚨NEW: Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar has called for Keir Starmer to resign as PM, saying "the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change"
"The situation in Downing Street is not good enough"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
"The situation in Downing Street is not good enough"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar Calls For Keir Starmer To Resign
Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign.
www.politicshome.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:40 PM
🚨NEW: Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar has called for Keir Starmer to resign as PM, saying "the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change"
"The situation in Downing Street is not good enough"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
"The situation in Downing Street is not good enough"
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Matilda Martin
Tim Allan quits as 10 Downing Street director of communications after around five months in the job
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success," he says in a short statement
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success," he says in a short statement
February 9, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Tim Allan quits as 10 Downing Street director of communications after around five months in the job
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success," he says in a short statement
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success," he says in a short statement
Reposted by Matilda Martin
By my calculations, Reform UK has now lost more than 6% of the councillors it had elected nine months ago
When I wrote this piece back in October, a local govt expert described the trend as "unusual and rapidly growing"
When I wrote this piece back in October, a local govt expert described the trend as "unusual and rapidly growing"
Reform Is Losing Councillors Elected In May At An 'Unusual' Rate
Reform UK has lost more than 5 per cent of the councillors it had elected six months ago, an analysis by PoliticsHome has found.
www.politicshome.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:24 PM
By my calculations, Reform UK has now lost more than 6% of the councillors it had elected nine months ago
When I wrote this piece back in October, a local govt expert described the trend as "unusual and rapidly growing"
When I wrote this piece back in October, a local govt expert described the trend as "unusual and rapidly growing"
Reposted by Matilda Martin
Cllr David Taylor from Worcestershire County Council resigned from Reform UK **live on air on the BBC**
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
Worcestershire councillor quits Reform over plans to raise council tax
Worcestershire Reform councillor David Taylor says he will now sit as an independent.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Cllr David Taylor from Worcestershire County Council resigned from Reform UK **live on air on the BBC**
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
Cllr David Taylor from Worcestershire County Council resigned from Reform UK **live on air on the BBC**
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
Worcestershire councillor quits Reform over plans to raise council tax
Worcestershire Reform councillor David Taylor says he will now sit as an independent.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Cllr David Taylor from Worcestershire County Council resigned from Reform UK **live on air on the BBC**
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
"I walked in here today as a Reform county cllr - I won't be leaving this studio as a Reform county cllr"
Taylor was unhappy with Reform's wish to increase council tax by up to 10% from April
Morgan McSweeney has resigned from his position as PM's chief of staff
McSweeney: "After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government.
"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself"
McSweeney: "After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government.
"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself"
Morgan McSweeney Resigns As Keir Starmer's Chief Of Staff
Morgan McSweeney has resigned from his position as Keir Starmer's chief of staff after mounting pressure over his role in Peter Mandelson's appoint...
www.politicshome.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Morgan McSweeney has resigned from his position as PM's chief of staff
McSweeney: "After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government.
"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself"
McSweeney: "After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government.
"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself"