Sam Gelder
@samgelder.bsky.social
Investigations editor at Liberty Investigates. Previously of Dialogue Earth, openDemocracy, Big Issue, HuffPost, Hackney Gazette. London via Wolverhampton
Pinned
Sam Gelder
@samgelder.bsky.social
· Oct 16
Liberty Investigates – exposing injustice
Liberty Investigates is an editorially independent team of journalists, investigating rights violations in the UK.
libertyinvestigates.org.uk
Thrilled to be joining Liberty Investigates as investigations editor. The team does vital work exposing human rights abuses and I can’t wait to get going
If you’ve got a story or want to chat, please get in touch! libertyinvestigates.org.uk
If you’ve got a story or want to chat, please get in touch! libertyinvestigates.org.uk
Thrilled to be joining Liberty Investigates as investigations editor. The team does vital work exposing human rights abuses and I can’t wait to get going
If you’ve got a story or want to chat, please get in touch! libertyinvestigates.org.uk
If you’ve got a story or want to chat, please get in touch! libertyinvestigates.org.uk
Liberty Investigates – exposing injustice
Liberty Investigates is an editorially independent team of journalists, investigating rights violations in the UK.
libertyinvestigates.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Thrilled to be joining Liberty Investigates as investigations editor. The team does vital work exposing human rights abuses and I can’t wait to get going
If you’ve got a story or want to chat, please get in touch! libertyinvestigates.org.uk
If you’ve got a story or want to chat, please get in touch! libertyinvestigates.org.uk
Reposted by Sam Gelder
In 2014, Hackney Council sold a property under Right to Buy for £95,050
In 2021, they bought it back off the ex-tenant for £365k
In ~6 yrs, the council lost £269,950 on a single property
It's not an isolated example. @bigissue.com has uncovered 100+ 'Yo-yo Homes'
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
In 2021, they bought it back off the ex-tenant for £365k
In ~6 yrs, the council lost £269,950 on a single property
It's not an isolated example. @bigissue.com has uncovered 100+ 'Yo-yo Homes'
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
How ex-council tenants make over £200k selling homes back to councils
Big Issue investigates the Right To Buy properties sold back to councils for massive profits, just years after being bought at a discount.
www.bigissue.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:24 AM
In 2014, Hackney Council sold a property under Right to Buy for £95,050
In 2021, they bought it back off the ex-tenant for £365k
In ~6 yrs, the council lost £269,950 on a single property
It's not an isolated example. @bigissue.com has uncovered 100+ 'Yo-yo Homes'
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
In 2021, they bought it back off the ex-tenant for £365k
In ~6 yrs, the council lost £269,950 on a single property
It's not an isolated example. @bigissue.com has uncovered 100+ 'Yo-yo Homes'
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Saw a proper mad Instagram reel that Declan Rice had donated £14m to a housing project in Tower Hamlets
Googled it and the AI summary backed it up, telling users about the donation
Did some journalism - it’s not true. Experts say it’s a classic case of AI dangers
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Googled it and the AI summary backed it up, telling users about the donation
Did some journalism - it’s not true. Experts say it’s a classic case of AI dangers
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
No, Arsenal's Declan Rice didn't donate £14m to house homeless families
Google's AI summary is telling users Arsenal footballer Declan Rice donated £14m to a London housing project. But the story's not true.
www.bigissue.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Saw a proper mad Instagram reel that Declan Rice had donated £14m to a housing project in Tower Hamlets
Googled it and the AI summary backed it up, telling users about the donation
Did some journalism - it’s not true. Experts say it’s a classic case of AI dangers
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Googled it and the AI summary backed it up, telling users about the donation
Did some journalism - it’s not true. Experts say it’s a classic case of AI dangers
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Latest from me: on the bafflingly overlooked issue of work and rising heat
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As summers of extreme heat become more common, the UK must protect its workers | John Harris
There’s been fury in Spain over the tragic death of a street cleaner. It’s not hard to imagine something similar playing out in the UK, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
August 18, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Latest from me: on the bafflingly overlooked issue of work and rising heat
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
NEW: Premier League clubs strike new gambling shirt sponsor deals in last year before voluntary ban
11 clubs have gambling firms on front of shirts for 25/26
It's led to the ban being called a "cynical ploy"
No Big Six team has a gambling sponsor
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
11 clubs have gambling firms on front of shirts for 25/26
It's led to the ban being called a "cynical ploy"
No Big Six team has a gambling sponsor
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Premier League clubs land new deals with gambling sponsors despite looming ban
11 of the Premier League's 20 clubs will start the new season with a front-of-shirt gambling sponsor, and no club has abandoned betting firms.
www.bigissue.com
August 7, 2025 at 8:12 AM
NEW: Premier League clubs strike new gambling shirt sponsor deals in last year before voluntary ban
11 clubs have gambling firms on front of shirts for 25/26
It's led to the ban being called a "cynical ploy"
No Big Six team has a gambling sponsor
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
11 clubs have gambling firms on front of shirts for 25/26
It's led to the ban being called a "cynical ploy"
No Big Six team has a gambling sponsor
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Reform-led Durham County Council is expected to rescind its climate emergency declaration tomorrow
In December the council won a national award for its work to cut emissions over the last 15 years www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
In December the council won a national award for its work to cut emissions over the last 15 years www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reform-run councils once known for green policies expected to scrap climate pledges
Former Durham county council climate lead calls motion to rescind climate emergency declaration ‘reprehensible’
www.theguardian.com
July 15, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Reform-led Durham County Council is expected to rescind its climate emergency declaration tomorrow
In December the council won a national award for its work to cut emissions over the last 15 years www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
In December the council won a national award for its work to cut emissions over the last 15 years www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
NEW: Greater Manchester Police 'encouraged' by dep mayor to carry naloxone after Big Issue reporting
It's also emerged a trial of naloxone publicly promised by GMP last year never happened - but the force hasn't explained why
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
It's also emerged a trial of naloxone publicly promised by GMP last year never happened - but the force hasn't explained why
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Manchester deputy mayor 'encourages' police to carry naloxone
Just two police forces in the country refuse to give their officers naloxone. Big Issue reporting has sparked politicians to act
www.bigissue.com
July 14, 2025 at 9:34 AM
NEW: Greater Manchester Police 'encouraged' by dep mayor to carry naloxone after Big Issue reporting
It's also emerged a trial of naloxone publicly promised by GMP last year never happened - but the force hasn't explained why
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
It's also emerged a trial of naloxone publicly promised by GMP last year never happened - but the force hasn't explained why
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Three years ago, I wrote this article on how radically reimagining our cities can drastically reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves.
With yet another ‘once in a lifetime’ heatwave impacting Europe, it is as relevant as ever.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/heat...
With yet another ‘once in a lifetime’ heatwave impacting Europe, it is as relevant as ever.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/heat...
40C heatwaves are now reality. It's time to transform our cities
What can we do to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heatwaves? Quite a lot actually, writes Jon Burke
www.bigissue.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Three years ago, I wrote this article on how radically reimagining our cities can drastically reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves.
With yet another ‘once in a lifetime’ heatwave impacting Europe, it is as relevant as ever.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/heat...
With yet another ‘once in a lifetime’ heatwave impacting Europe, it is as relevant as ever.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/heat...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
NEW: Naloxone can help police officers stop opioid deaths. The Home Office, Police Federation, and police chiefs support giving it to officers. One force alone estimates it's saved 134 lives
Yet two forces - Suffolk and Greater Manchester - refuse. Why?
My report:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Yet two forces - Suffolk and Greater Manchester - refuse. Why?
My report:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Why do some UK police forces stop officer carrying this life-saving drug?
Police offers have used naloxone more than 1,200 times to reverse opioid overdoses. But as drug deaths rise, two police forces hold out.
www.bigissue.com
July 2, 2025 at 9:22 AM
NEW: Naloxone can help police officers stop opioid deaths. The Home Office, Police Federation, and police chiefs support giving it to officers. One force alone estimates it's saved 134 lives
Yet two forces - Suffolk and Greater Manchester - refuse. Why?
My report:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Yet two forces - Suffolk and Greater Manchester - refuse. Why?
My report:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
NEW: Islington Council is taking a food bank to court, trying to evict it from land it uses to store food. The food bank says it will have to shut down if the legal bid is successful
The kicker? 95% of the food bank's clients are referred by Islington Council
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
The kicker? 95% of the food bank's clients are referred by Islington Council
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Council tries to evict food bank – despite referring 95% of its users
Islington Council is taking a food bank to court, saying they are trespassing. The food bank say they will be forced to close if it succeeds.
www.bigissue.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:19 AM
NEW: Islington Council is taking a food bank to court, trying to evict it from land it uses to store food. The food bank says it will have to shut down if the legal bid is successful
The kicker? 95% of the food bank's clients are referred by Islington Council
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
The kicker? 95% of the food bank's clients are referred by Islington Council
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
A message from @philippeauclair.bsky.social
The reality we at Josimar face is stark. Should we fail to raise 50 000 euro by 1 July, the world’s only investigative media dedicated solely to football will cease to exist.
josimarfootball.com/2025/06/03/a...
The reality we at Josimar face is stark. Should we fail to raise 50 000 euro by 1 July, the world’s only investigative media dedicated solely to football will cease to exist.
josimarfootball.com/2025/06/03/a...
A letter from Philippe Auclair - josimarfootball.com
The reality we at Josimar face is stark. Should we fail to raise € 50k by 1 July, the world's only investigative media dedicated solely to football will cease to exist.
josimarfootball.com
June 3, 2025 at 11:59 AM
A message from @philippeauclair.bsky.social
The reality we at Josimar face is stark. Should we fail to raise 50 000 euro by 1 July, the world’s only investigative media dedicated solely to football will cease to exist.
josimarfootball.com/2025/06/03/a...
The reality we at Josimar face is stark. Should we fail to raise 50 000 euro by 1 July, the world’s only investigative media dedicated solely to football will cease to exist.
josimarfootball.com/2025/06/03/a...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
In The Guardian in print and online today speaking about the catalyst that triggered me to write Logging Off, and changed my life forever. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
May 28, 2025 at 7:34 AM
In The Guardian in print and online today speaking about the catalyst that triggered me to write Logging Off, and changed my life forever. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
🔴 Exclusive: More than half of England’s councils did not approve the building of any homes for social rent during Labour’s first six months in government, figures obtained by @hyphenonline.com suggest
hyphenonline.com/2025/05/19/h...
hyphenonline.com/2025/05/19/h...
Just 6% of homes approved in Labour’s first six months were for social rent
Data from 119 English councils shows that council houses made up just 6% of planning approvals in Labour’s first half-year in office
hyphenonline.com
May 19, 2025 at 9:32 AM
🔴 Exclusive: More than half of England’s councils did not approve the building of any homes for social rent during Labour’s first six months in government, figures obtained by @hyphenonline.com suggest
hyphenonline.com/2025/05/19/h...
hyphenonline.com/2025/05/19/h...
📊 I've detailed how much of this climate fund each council in London has left, and how community groups can access it
If you know a community centre, group, charity, club etc who could benefit, please share it with them
If you know a community centre, group, charity, club etc who could benefit, please share it with them
May 13, 2025 at 8:57 PM
📊 I've detailed how much of this climate fund each council in London has left, and how community groups can access it
If you know a community centre, group, charity, club etc who could benefit, please share it with them
If you know a community centre, group, charity, club etc who could benefit, please share it with them
Reposted by Sam Gelder
What on Earth does that mean? Please can politicians stop using "net zero", a scientific term, to mean "environmental policies I don't like"
Labour MPs are starting to get nervous about net zero, after a disappointing set of election results
A minister cast doubt over Ed Miliband's political future
An MP said net zero could "play out the same way as Brexit"
Story by me & @matildamartin.bsky.social 👇
A minister cast doubt over Ed Miliband's political future
An MP said net zero could "play out the same way as Brexit"
Story by me & @matildamartin.bsky.social 👇
Labour Figures Starting To Get Nervous About Net Zero Following Local Election Results
Labour MPs are growing increasingly nervous about the government’s approach to net zero following Reform’s sweeping success in the local and mayora...
www.politicshome.com
May 2, 2025 at 9:35 PM
What on Earth does that mean? Please can politicians stop using "net zero", a scientific term, to mean "environmental policies I don't like"
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Thousands more people could die from overheating each year if Britain does not adapt to a warming world to avert
“tomorrow’s disasters”, the UK government’s climate advisers have warned.
@thecccuk.bsky.social says no sign Labour are taking climate adaptation more seriously than Tories
“tomorrow’s disasters”, the UK government’s climate advisers have warned.
@thecccuk.bsky.social says no sign Labour are taking climate adaptation more seriously than Tories
April 30, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Thousands more people could die from overheating each year if Britain does not adapt to a warming world to avert
“tomorrow’s disasters”, the UK government’s climate advisers have warned.
@thecccuk.bsky.social says no sign Labour are taking climate adaptation more seriously than Tories
“tomorrow’s disasters”, the UK government’s climate advisers have warned.
@thecccuk.bsky.social says no sign Labour are taking climate adaptation more seriously than Tories
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Zack Polanski, deputy leader of @greenparty.org.uk said progress had been “unacceptably slow and inconsistent”.
“Thousands of Londoners are stuck in cold, damp and mouldy homes while their bills keep climbing,”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“Thousands of Londoners are stuck in cold, damp and mouldy homes while their bills keep climbing,”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
London councils yet to spend £130m in local climate funds
Local authorities have spent less than £40m out of £170m collected since offsetting scheme began in 2016
www.theguardian.com
April 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Zack Polanski, deputy leader of @greenparty.org.uk said progress had been “unacceptably slow and inconsistent”.
“Thousands of Londoners are stuck in cold, damp and mouldy homes while their bills keep climbing,”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“Thousands of Londoners are stuck in cold, damp and mouldy homes while their bills keep climbing,”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Did you catch us in @theguardian.com at the weekend?
Councils across London have been collecting money to offset the emissions from new development... 💰
Except the vast majority of that money has not been spent. £130 million is sitting there waiting to be used for climate action...
Councils across London have been collecting money to offset the emissions from new development... 💰
Except the vast majority of that money has not been spent. £130 million is sitting there waiting to be used for climate action...
April 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Did you catch us in @theguardian.com at the weekend?
Councils across London have been collecting money to offset the emissions from new development... 💰
Except the vast majority of that money has not been spent. £130 million is sitting there waiting to be used for climate action...
Councils across London have been collecting money to offset the emissions from new development... 💰
Except the vast majority of that money has not been spent. £130 million is sitting there waiting to be used for climate action...
For the London heads: know a community building that could do with solar panels to lower energy bills? Want to do some tree planting, or teach kids green skills?
I discovered London councils are sitting on £130m+ that should be funding local climate action www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I discovered London councils are sitting on £130m+ that should be funding local climate action www.theguardian.com/environment/...
London councils yet to spend £130m in local climate funds
Local authorities have spent less than £40m out of £170m collected since offsetting scheme began in 2016
www.theguardian.com
April 27, 2025 at 8:39 AM
For the London heads: know a community building that could do with solar panels to lower energy bills? Want to do some tree planting, or teach kids green skills?
I discovered London councils are sitting on £130m+ that should be funding local climate action www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I discovered London councils are sitting on £130m+ that should be funding local climate action www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Every time I read a transcript of a cross-examination I'm astonished that bullying and belittling people is still seen as an acceptable or reliable way to elicit information in a courtroom. (short thread 🧵)
pressgazette.co.uk/news/guardia...
pressgazette.co.uk/news/guardia...
Guardian journalist on Noel Clarke investigation: 'I felt that it was a story to be made public'
Guardian journalist Sirin Kale gives evidence in the High Court about carrying out an investigation into actor Noel Clarke.
pressgazette.co.uk
April 4, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Every time I read a transcript of a cross-examination I'm astonished that bullying and belittling people is still seen as an acceptable or reliable way to elicit information in a courtroom. (short thread 🧵)
pressgazette.co.uk/news/guardia...
pressgazette.co.uk/news/guardia...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
There's an excellent report on the latest goings-on and fallings-out at Tower Hamlets council by @samgelder.bsky.social for London Spy. The collapse of local media has left us pretty much in the dark during the government’s inspection so thankful for Sam doing this work
March 20, 2025 at 7:48 PM
There's an excellent report on the latest goings-on and fallings-out at Tower Hamlets council by @samgelder.bsky.social for London Spy. The collapse of local media has left us pretty much in the dark during the government’s inspection so thankful for Sam doing this work
The govt has intervened at Tower Hamlets council following a ‘best value’ inspection
As other councils cut what’s left of services to avoid bankruptcy, Tower Hamlets is financially sound and spending big on progressive policies
So what’s going on? I asked insiders for @londonspy.bsky.social
As other councils cut what’s left of services to avoid bankruptcy, Tower Hamlets is financially sound and spending big on progressive policies
So what’s going on? I asked insiders for @londonspy.bsky.social
A 'wake-up call' or 'witch hunt'? Inside the Tower Hamlets inquisition
Government envoys have landed in east London. They are navigating decades-old political tensions, resentments and rivalries
www.thelondonspy.co.uk
March 21, 2025 at 7:47 AM
The govt has intervened at Tower Hamlets council following a ‘best value’ inspection
As other councils cut what’s left of services to avoid bankruptcy, Tower Hamlets is financially sound and spending big on progressive policies
So what’s going on? I asked insiders for @londonspy.bsky.social
As other councils cut what’s left of services to avoid bankruptcy, Tower Hamlets is financially sound and spending big on progressive policies
So what’s going on? I asked insiders for @londonspy.bsky.social
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Croydon Council has thrown 22 people out on to the streets, with no alternative accommodation, after serving an eviction notice on people squatting in a council-owned building that had stood empty for 12 years..
insidecroydon.com/2025/03/17/c...
insidecroydon.com/2025/03/17/c...
Council evicts 20 homeless people from squat in Reedham
With the overnight temperatures dropping below zero in the past week, Croydon Council has thrown 22 people out on to the streets, with no alternative accommodation, after serving an eviction notice…
insidecroydon.com
March 18, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Croydon Council has thrown 22 people out on to the streets, with no alternative accommodation, after serving an eviction notice on people squatting in a council-owned building that had stood empty for 12 years..
insidecroydon.com/2025/03/17/c...
insidecroydon.com/2025/03/17/c...
Reposted by Sam Gelder
Inside Housing is offering a four-week paid internship as part of the IBP programme which is particularly focused on people from underrepresented backgrounds in journalism. More info on how to apply here: releasd.com/pages/5-XG9l... There are also placements at other publications and comms agencies
IBP Summer Internship Scheme 2025 - Candidates' information
releasd.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Inside Housing is offering a four-week paid internship as part of the IBP programme which is particularly focused on people from underrepresented backgrounds in journalism. More info on how to apply here: releasd.com/pages/5-XG9l... There are also placements at other publications and comms agencies