Ailbhe Rea
@pronouncedalva.bsky.social
Political Editor, New Statesman
Pinned
Ailbhe Rea
@pronouncedalva.bsky.social
· Sep 29
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Marvellous piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social , this: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Marvellous piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social , this: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
This is in the New Statesman today by Ailbhe Rea is well worth a read on the mood in the Parliamentary Labour Party
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:31 AM
This is in the New Statesman today by Ailbhe Rea is well worth a read on the mood in the Parliamentary Labour Party
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Quite a read, this by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Quite a read, this by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
“We are haemorrhaging votes to the Greens. The least we could do is just plant some fucking trees.”
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 AM
“We are haemorrhaging votes to the Greens. The least we could do is just plant some fucking trees.”
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
How likely is that? There’s a great read from the new Stateman’s new pol ed @pronouncedalva.bsky.social, who is turning out to be an inspired hire, here www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:56 AM
How likely is that? There’s a great read from the new Stateman’s new pol ed @pronouncedalva.bsky.social, who is turning out to be an inspired hire, here www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
September 29, 2025 at 9:07 AM
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
Keir Starmer under pressure from cabinet and Macron to recognise Palestine sooner.
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
July 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Keir Starmer under pressure from cabinet and Macron to recognise Palestine sooner.
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Scoop: Keir Starmer has asked to be involved in policy-making earlier and to be given more detail following the welfare debacle, as allies say a cultural issue was developing in Number 10 where the PM was bounced into decisions.
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Ailbhe Rea: Keir Starmer Implements a Quiet Government Reset
It’s been two weeks since Keir Starmer’s government faced its moment of crisis, forced to gut its flagship welfare reforms after coming dangerously close to a staggering, almost unprecedented, defeat ...
www.bloomberg.com
July 23, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Scoop: Keir Starmer has asked to be involved in policy-making earlier and to be given more detail following the welfare debacle, as allies say a cultural issue was developing in Number 10 where the PM was bounced into decisions.
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Labour is acting like everything's gone back to normal... but after last week, things are far from normal.
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Ailbhe Rea: Starmer’s Challenging Future Without a Policy Change
You almost wouldn’t know that last week Keir Starmer faced the worst crisis of his premiership. It’s a sunny day of full pomp and ceremony here in Westminster for the French state visit, and Emmanuel ...
www.bloomberg.com
July 9, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Labour is acting like everything's gone back to normal... but after last week, things are far from normal.
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Benchmarks, from @philipjcowley.bsky.social, the professor of parliamentary rebellions at QMUL
June 30, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Benchmarks, from @philipjcowley.bsky.social, the professor of parliamentary rebellions at QMUL
SCOOP: Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray is moving into business - joining advisory firm Consello as its UK chair.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
June 11, 2025 at 10:53 AM
SCOOP: Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray is moving into business - joining advisory firm Consello as its UK chair.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
Scoop: The government is "very seriously considering" nationalising Chinese-owned British Steel, two sources tell Bloomberg, as it scrambles to save the last UK steelmaker from closure.
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Considers Taking Over China-Owned British Steel to Save Plant
The UK is seriously considering nationalizing Jingye Group’s British Steel, as ministers rush to rescue the country’s last steelmaker from the prospect of permanent closure.
www.bloomberg.com
April 8, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Scoop: The government is "very seriously considering" nationalising Chinese-owned British Steel, two sources tell Bloomberg, as it scrambles to save the last UK steelmaker from closure.
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Exclusive with @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Keir Starmer’s government is preparing to approve controversial expansions to three London airports as part of a push to spur growth that’s become more urgent this month after international markets ca...
www.bloomberg.com
January 20, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Exclusive with @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Our weekend story with top team @joemayes.bsky.social @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social @lucygjwhite.bsky.social
NEW: Bloomberg Saturday read
Keir Starmer has triggered alarm across Labour over his poor performance in his first 5 months as PM, after Thursday’s reset speech flopped
His party wants bolder policies, a clearer purpose and much sharper messaging
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Keir Starmer has triggered alarm across Labour over his poor performance in his first 5 months as PM, after Thursday’s reset speech flopped
His party wants bolder policies, a clearer purpose and much sharper messaging
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Starmer Triggers Labour Alarm After Early Reset Bid Falls Flat
Keir Starmer is facing calls from across his Labour Party for bolder policies and sharper messaging to reconnect with voters, after a major speech aimed at rebooting his stuttering UK premiership flop...
www.bloomberg.com
December 7, 2024 at 11:23 AM
Our weekend story with top team @joemayes.bsky.social @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social @lucygjwhite.bsky.social
Five missions
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
December 5, 2024 at 10:16 AM
Five missions
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
NEW Chris Wormald, currently permanent secretary at the health department, has been appointed the UK's top civil servant.
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Starmer Appoints Chris Wormald to Head UK’s Civil Service
Prime Minister Keir Starmer named Chris Wormald as the country’s top civil servant, promoting the veteran official in a move designed to bring stability to the top of government after a rocky first fi...
www.bloomberg.com
December 2, 2024 at 1:54 PM
NEW Chris Wormald, currently permanent secretary at the health department, has been appointed the UK's top civil servant.
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Woop the Bloomberg lobby team is here! Welcome Alex Wickham @alexwickham.bsky.social and Ellen Milligan @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
November 26, 2024 at 2:28 PM
Woop the Bloomberg lobby team is here! Welcome Alex Wickham @alexwickham.bsky.social and Ellen Milligan @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Hearing from several new Labour MPs who were previously minded to support the bill that they're now leaning against because they worry there aren't sufficient protections against coercion.
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
This Friday, I will be voting against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Here's why 👇
Here's why 👇
November 25, 2024 at 6:11 PM
Hearing from several new Labour MPs who were previously minded to support the bill that they're now leaning against because they worry there aren't sufficient protections against coercion.
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
NEW Bloomberg weekend read (which, yes, I failed to post over the weekend)
On assisted dying: an issue confounding MPs, splitting the cabinet, and creating potentially awkward political consequences for Keir Starmer personally
- www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
On assisted dying: an issue confounding MPs, splitting the cabinet, and creating potentially awkward political consequences for Keir Starmer personally
- www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Labour Rifts Open Over Assisted Dying Bill Starmer Encouraged
A few days after Labour’s landslide election victory in July, politicians gathered with aides and journalists at one of British politics’ glitzy annual summer parties. But amid the celebrating and fre...
www.bloomberg.com
November 25, 2024 at 11:42 AM
NEW Bloomberg weekend read (which, yes, I failed to post over the weekend)
On assisted dying: an issue confounding MPs, splitting the cabinet, and creating potentially awkward political consequences for Keir Starmer personally
- www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
On assisted dying: an issue confounding MPs, splitting the cabinet, and creating potentially awkward political consequences for Keir Starmer personally
- www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Reform MP James McMurdock was jailed for repeatedly kicking his girlfriend.
He had told the media he was jailed for "pushing" his former partner in 2006.
Court records obtained by The Times say the sentence was given because of "the serious nature of the offence”.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
He had told the media he was jailed for "pushing" his former partner in 2006.
Court records obtained by The Times say the sentence was given because of "the serious nature of the offence”.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reform MP James McMurdock was jailed for repeatedly kicking girlfriend
The MP had told the media he had been jailed for ‘pushing’ former partner in 2006, when the court records say he repeatedly kicked her on a night out
www.thetimes.com
November 21, 2024 at 6:35 PM
Reform MP James McMurdock was jailed for repeatedly kicking his girlfriend.
He had told the media he was jailed for "pushing" his former partner in 2006.
Court records obtained by The Times say the sentence was given because of "the serious nature of the offence”.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
He had told the media he was jailed for "pushing" his former partner in 2006.
Court records obtained by The Times say the sentence was given because of "the serious nature of the offence”.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
🚨 LAUNCHING TODAY 🚨
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
November 20, 2024 at 7:25 AM
🚨 LAUNCHING TODAY 🚨
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
All this chat about Peter Mandelson vs William Hague but I do just wonder if a smart, highly accomplished woman (Elish Angiolini) will just cut through the political dick swinging and sail through the election to be Oxford's next Chancellor.
November 19, 2024 at 12:13 PM
All this chat about Peter Mandelson vs William Hague but I do just wonder if a smart, highly accomplished woman (Elish Angiolini) will just cut through the political dick swinging and sail through the election to be Oxford's next Chancellor.
Muddy wellies, flat caps, barbour jackets and trilby hats - the farmers have arrived in Westminster!
November 19, 2024 at 10:50 AM
Muddy wellies, flat caps, barbour jackets and trilby hats - the farmers have arrived in Westminster!
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Good morning Bluesky.
Here's a helpful starter pack for divorced men named Geoff but one has been murdered. Please help us find the killer.
go.bsky.app/KDY26rh
Here's a helpful starter pack for divorced men named Geoff but one has been murdered. Please help us find the killer.
go.bsky.app/KDY26rh
November 15, 2024 at 9:34 AM
Good morning Bluesky.
Here's a helpful starter pack for divorced men named Geoff but one has been murdered. Please help us find the killer.
go.bsky.app/KDY26rh
Here's a helpful starter pack for divorced men named Geoff but one has been murdered. Please help us find the killer.
go.bsky.app/KDY26rh
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
For the many new joiners here is my starter pack of some UK commentators that I like. Now updated to include a few more people such as @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @duncanweldon.bsky.social @wmarybeard.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/M4Bt6Wq
go.bsky.app/M4Bt6Wq
November 15, 2024 at 7:22 PM
For the many new joiners here is my starter pack of some UK commentators that I like. Now updated to include a few more people such as @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @duncanweldon.bsky.social @wmarybeard.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/M4Bt6Wq
go.bsky.app/M4Bt6Wq