Rebecca McKee
@rebeccamckee.bsky.social
Senior Researcher at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk working across constitution/parliament and local growth/regional economic policy.
Former academic and citizens' assembly organiser 🫶
Former academic and citizens' assembly organiser 🫶
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
A reminder for anyone new to Bluesky (or who just wants to follow more policy wonks here) that I've made a starter pack of all the think tanks I've spotted on the platform and the researchers working at them (if you're missing and want adding in let me know!) - go.bsky.app/Geu9Jd8
UK think tanks - research edition
Join the conversation
go.bsky.app
January 6, 2026 at 1:03 PM
A reminder for anyone new to Bluesky (or who just wants to follow more policy wonks here) that I've made a starter pack of all the think tanks I've spotted on the platform and the researchers working at them (if you're missing and want adding in let me know!) - go.bsky.app/Geu9Jd8
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
How well do No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities?
Join us on Tuesday 13 Jan as we explore the centre of government with Ed Balls, @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
@ayeshahazarika.bsky.social and Sajid Javid www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us on Tuesday 13 Jan as we explore the centre of government with Ed Balls, @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
@ayeshahazarika.bsky.social and Sajid Javid www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 5, 2026 at 2:08 PM
How well do No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities?
Join us on Tuesday 13 Jan as we explore the centre of government with Ed Balls, @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
@ayeshahazarika.bsky.social and Sajid Javid www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us on Tuesday 13 Jan as we explore the centre of government with Ed Balls, @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
@ayeshahazarika.bsky.social and Sajid Javid www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? | Institute for Government
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems | Institute for Government
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
New comment ✍️
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
December 19, 2025 at 10:55 AM
New comment ✍️
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? | Institute for Government
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
NEW | How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed?
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? | Institute for Government
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 9:56 AM
NEW | How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed?
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
🧵 Thread on new research on gender gaps in “don’t know” responses
Some of you will know that my stellar coauthors @hannahbunting.bsky.social @cerifowler.bsky.social @jess-smith.bsky.social @annasanders.bsky.social & I have been working on a large-scale project on “don’t know” responses in surveys.
Some of you will know that my stellar coauthors @hannahbunting.bsky.social @cerifowler.bsky.social @jess-smith.bsky.social @annasanders.bsky.social & I have been working on a large-scale project on “don’t know” responses in surveys.
December 17, 2025 at 11:38 AM
🧵 Thread on new research on gender gaps in “don’t know” responses
Some of you will know that my stellar coauthors @hannahbunting.bsky.social @cerifowler.bsky.social @jess-smith.bsky.social @annasanders.bsky.social & I have been working on a large-scale project on “don’t know” responses in surveys.
Some of you will know that my stellar coauthors @hannahbunting.bsky.social @cerifowler.bsky.social @jess-smith.bsky.social @annasanders.bsky.social & I have been working on a large-scale project on “don’t know” responses in surveys.
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
Last week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers.
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
December 15, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Last week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers.
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
🎄 🎶Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect and a House of Lords battle renewed 🎶 🎄
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social on this week’s Inside Briefing
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social on this week’s Inside Briefing
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect, and a House of Lords battle renewed
Podcast Episode · Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government · 12/12/2025 · 39m
podcasts.apple.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM
🎄 🎶Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect and a House of Lords battle renewed 🎶 🎄
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social on this week’s Inside Briefing
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social on this week’s Inside Briefing
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
We've got some fascinating new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Ministers Reflect interviews out!
Great thread below from my colleague @meganbryer.bsky.social with some of the highlights...
Great thread below from my colleague @meganbryer.bsky.social with some of the highlights...
Excited to publish our latest batch of Ministers Reflect interviews! We spoke with former health secretary and chancellor Sajid Javid, former Wales secretary and chief whip Simon Hart, and former Defra secretary Theresa Villiers.
Some highlights…
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
Some highlights…
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
Ministers Reflect | Institute for Government
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 6:09 PM
We've got some fascinating new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Ministers Reflect interviews out!
Great thread below from my colleague @meganbryer.bsky.social with some of the highlights...
Great thread below from my colleague @meganbryer.bsky.social with some of the highlights...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
This letter from former Cabinet Secretaries and others is straightforwardly wrong regarding the constitutional role of the House of Lords relative to the role of the Commons. /1
NEW: In a joint letter, senior peers including 3 former cabinet secretaries and 3 former Lords speakers have warned peers not to use procedural manoeuvres to thwart the assisted dying bill.
With 1,100+ amendments tabled, they warn the reputation of Parliament is on the line.
With 1,100+ amendments tabled, they warn the reputation of Parliament is on the line.
December 7, 2025 at 10:37 AM
This letter from former Cabinet Secretaries and others is straightforwardly wrong regarding the constitutional role of the House of Lords relative to the role of the Commons. /1
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s Week in Public Services blog is back! This week I looked at the Budget’s place-based budget pilots, jury trial restrictions, and Ofsted’s concerns on children’s social care. Some thoughts below.
medium.com/week-in-publ...
medium.com/week-in-publ...
Week in Public Services: 5th December 2025
This week: jury trial restrictions, place-based budgeting pilots, and warnings from Ofsted on the children’s social care market.
medium.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s Week in Public Services blog is back! This week I looked at the Budget’s place-based budget pilots, jury trial restrictions, and Ofsted’s concerns on children’s social care. Some thoughts below.
medium.com/week-in-publ...
medium.com/week-in-publ...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
The government’s decision to delay mayoral elections cannot be justified on democratic or fairness grounds
Our IfG devolution experts react to the announcement that May 2026 elections for new mayors will be postponed to 2028 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Our IfG devolution experts react to the announcement that May 2026 elections for new mayors will be postponed to 2028 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government’s decision to delay mayoral elections cannot be justified on democratic or fairness grounds | Institute for Government
The government has postponed the May 2026 mayoral elections in Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, and Norfolk and Suffolk.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 5, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The government’s decision to delay mayoral elections cannot be justified on democratic or fairness grounds
Our IfG devolution experts react to the announcement that May 2026 elections for new mayors will be postponed to 2028 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Our IfG devolution experts react to the announcement that May 2026 elections for new mayors will be postponed to 2028 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government's decision to delay the 2026 mayoral elections in DPP areas is truly baffling and v disappointing
Excellent analysis in this from @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Excellent analysis in this from @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government’s decision to delay mayoral elections cannot be justified on democratic or fairness grounds | Institute for Government
The government has postponed the May 2026 mayoral elections in Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, and Norfolk and Suffolk.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM
The government's decision to delay the 2026 mayoral elections in DPP areas is truly baffling and v disappointing
Excellent analysis in this from @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Excellent analysis in this from @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
1/ At the IfG, we have been following the government’s announcements on digital ID closely. Last month, we were joined by an expert panel to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing the policy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
The government's digital ID plan: Why now and what for? | Institute for Government
An expert panel discusses what problems digital ID would solve and the challenges of implementing the policy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 1:26 PM
1/ At the IfG, we have been following the government’s announcements on digital ID closely. Last month, we were joined by an expert panel to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing the policy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
Lots of things came out of the most recent covid inquiry report - here's my and @sophiedaud.bsky.social's views on what it says about ministerial leadership during crises, new today for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
The Covid Inquiry shows the importance of ministerial leadership during crises | Institute for Government
Clarity of priorities, clear messaging and visible leadership are paramount in any crisis.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Lots of things came out of the most recent covid inquiry report - here's my and @sophiedaud.bsky.social's views on what it says about ministerial leadership during crises, new today for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
New comment from me and @sophiedaud.bsky.social discussing the valuable work of minsters' private office, the need for more support AND launching our private office induction workshops
The first workshop is 18th December, more details on our website
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
The first workshop is 18th December, more details on our website
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
Behind every great minister there is a great private office | Institute for Government
The Institute for Government has launched a workshop series for private office starters.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 4:09 PM
New comment from me and @sophiedaud.bsky.social discussing the valuable work of minsters' private office, the need for more support AND launching our private office induction workshops
The first workshop is 18th December, more details on our website
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
The first workshop is 18th December, more details on our website
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
I've been fortunate enough this week to speak on two panels on topics I really care about and with excellent co-panellists. My job is great I love it.
But...my main reflection is ohmygod Rebecca why on earth can't you keep your hands in one place?!
But...my main reflection is ohmygod Rebecca why on earth can't you keep your hands in one place?!
December 4, 2025 at 11:46 AM
I've been fortunate enough this week to speak on two panels on topics I really care about and with excellent co-panellists. My job is great I love it.
But...my main reflection is ohmygod Rebecca why on earth can't you keep your hands in one place?!
But...my main reflection is ohmygod Rebecca why on earth can't you keep your hands in one place?!
I really enjoyed this panel yesterday so interesting to hear from Tom Walker and Mayor Claire Ward in two areas that are forging ahead
There's lots to learn from the different approaches in different places, always fascinating to be part of that conversation.
Thanks to @uniofsurrey.bsky.social !
There's lots to learn from the different approaches in different places, always fascinating to be part of that conversation.
Thanks to @uniofsurrey.bsky.social !
TODAY | Devolving growth: What are the challenges and opportunities for new strategic authorities?
Join us at 11:00 when our expert panel feat. @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social explore how new strategic authorities can deliver growth www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devolv...
Join us at 11:00 when our expert panel feat. @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social explore how new strategic authorities can deliver growth www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devolv...
December 4, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I really enjoyed this panel yesterday so interesting to hear from Tom Walker and Mayor Claire Ward in two areas that are forging ahead
There's lots to learn from the different approaches in different places, always fascinating to be part of that conversation.
Thanks to @uniofsurrey.bsky.social !
There's lots to learn from the different approaches in different places, always fascinating to be part of that conversation.
Thanks to @uniofsurrey.bsky.social !
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
The 'clogging up' of A+Es is not due to the 2% of people coming to ED with this quite arbitrary list of conditions. The main reason they're clogged is poor flow through hospitals!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Patients clogging up A&E with hiccups, sore throats and niggles
NHS bosses warn the public to use hospitals wisely amid concern this could be a tough winter.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 9:56 AM
The 'clogging up' of A+Es is not due to the 2% of people coming to ED with this quite arbitrary list of conditions. The main reason they're clogged is poor flow through hospitals!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
The govt appears committed to driving forward digital IDs - the responsibility for the scheme now sits in the Cabinet Office, led by Darren Jones, and was described by Liz Kendall in the science, innovation and technology committee today as one of the PM's "top priorities" (1/4)
December 3, 2025 at 2:41 PM
The govt appears committed to driving forward digital IDs - the responsibility for the scheme now sits in the Cabinet Office, led by Darren Jones, and was described by Liz Kendall in the science, innovation and technology committee today as one of the PM's "top priorities" (1/4)
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
Government 2026: IfG's annual conference 🚨
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Government 2026: IfG's annual conference 🚨
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
A slice of positive budget news last week was some important improvements to the spending framework
I've written about how the Office for Value for Money helped drive this, and why I think others in government could learn from its unusual set-up
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/offi...
I've written about how the Office for Value for Money helped drive this, and why I think others in government could learn from its unusual set-up
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/offi...
The Office for Value for Money has been a success | Institute for Government
In its short lifetime the OfVM made valuable proposals for change.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 3, 2025 at 8:34 AM
A slice of positive budget news last week was some important improvements to the spending framework
I've written about how the Office for Value for Money helped drive this, and why I think others in government could learn from its unusual set-up
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/offi...
I've written about how the Office for Value for Money helped drive this, and why I think others in government could learn from its unusual set-up
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/offi...
Yes inquiries cost a lot but the cost of the £ spent by government responding inquiries is a separate matter (solutions are not the same)
The 'extra £100m' spent by government could have been lower if it had been better prepared & willing to engage with the inquiry
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The 'extra £100m' spent by government could have been lower if it had been better prepared & willing to engage with the inquiry
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government racks up £100m bill responding to Covid inquiry
BBC analysis shows cost to taxpayer is 50% higher than thought, with inquiry's own costs at £192m.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Yes inquiries cost a lot but the cost of the £ spent by government responding inquiries is a separate matter (solutions are not the same)
The 'extra £100m' spent by government could have been lower if it had been better prepared & willing to engage with the inquiry
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The 'extra £100m' spent by government could have been lower if it had been better prepared & willing to engage with the inquiry
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...