The Lead
@theleaduk.bsky.social
The Lead is a lean, mean mag on politics, culture and everything in between.
Pinned
The Lead
@theleaduk.bsky.social
· Oct 21
The Lead is campaigning to end child poverty. We cannot allow our most vulnerable members of society to be treated with such disdain – the government must take decisive action, now.
Over the coming months you can expect more nuanced journalism that gets to the heart of the crisis.
Over the coming months you can expect more nuanced journalism that gets to the heart of the crisis.
The basic rate of benefit support falls woefully short – Iain Porter, senior policy advisor at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explains what needs to happen now
national.thelead.uk/p/universal-...
national.thelead.uk/p/universal-...
This is how we fix Universal Credit
The basic rate of benefit support falls woefully short – Iain Porter, senior policy advisor at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explains what needs to happen now.
national.thelead.uk
February 12, 2026 at 4:18 PM
The basic rate of benefit support falls woefully short – Iain Porter, senior policy advisor at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explains what needs to happen now
national.thelead.uk/p/universal-...
national.thelead.uk/p/universal-...
Channel 4 revealed this week that the Crewkerne Gazette, a platform that creates distinctly right-coded “satirical” AI videos - shared by the likes of Nigel Farage - while claiming to be apolitical, is the work of none other than a convicted neo-Nazi
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
Reform Watch: Neo-Nazi AI slop, defunding Bangor and more on Matt Goodwin
Each week we cast our eyes over what Reform have been up to – from bizarre proclamations to the detail of how their attempts to run councils are going.
national.thelead.uk
February 12, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Channel 4 revealed this week that the Crewkerne Gazette, a platform that creates distinctly right-coded “satirical” AI videos - shared by the likes of Nigel Farage - while claiming to be apolitical, is the work of none other than a convicted neo-Nazi
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
Reposted by The Lead
Six years ago, residents on a street in the south Wales valleys had their houses flooded from floor to ceiling. They've been petrified every time it rains.
One resident told me about what happened, and how he feels about the solution.
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/finally-fr...
One resident told me about what happened, and how he feels about the solution.
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/finally-fr...
Finally free from the flooding on Clydach Terrace that led to residents having PTSD
Back in 2020, water rose to the ceilings on Clydach Terrace. Today they speak of relief after an unprecedented intervention
thevalleys.thelead.uk
February 12, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Six years ago, residents on a street in the south Wales valleys had their houses flooded from floor to ceiling. They've been petrified every time it rains.
One resident told me about what happened, and how he feels about the solution.
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/finally-fr...
One resident told me about what happened, and how he feels about the solution.
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/finally-fr...
The political obsession with growth as the sole measure of progress is short-sighted. Without distribution, growth can leave millions behind.
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social’s attended the launch of the @resolutionfoundation.org Unsung Britain report.
national.thelead.uk/p/unsung-bri...
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social’s attended the launch of the @resolutionfoundation.org Unsung Britain report.
national.thelead.uk/p/unsung-bri...
Unsung Britain: a wake up call over sliding living standards buried under Westminster drama
Despite the talk of wages stagnating, living standards falling, it was telling that as usual the media just wanted to know if Andy Burnham supported Keir Starmer.
national.thelead.uk
February 12, 2026 at 2:14 PM
The political obsession with growth as the sole measure of progress is short-sighted. Without distribution, growth can leave millions behind.
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social’s attended the launch of the @resolutionfoundation.org Unsung Britain report.
national.thelead.uk/p/unsung-bri...
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social’s attended the launch of the @resolutionfoundation.org Unsung Britain report.
national.thelead.uk/p/unsung-bri...
Without explicit focus on race and inequality, policies to address child poverty risk reproducing the very gaps they aim to close, writes @nmozz.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/child-pove...
national.thelead.uk/p/child-pove...
Child poverty is racialised – we won't end the crisis until this is acknowledged
At the National Energy Action conference, fuel poverty’s human cost was clear. Those shaping policy must confront who is being hit hardest.
national.thelead.uk
February 12, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Without explicit focus on race and inequality, policies to address child poverty risk reproducing the very gaps they aim to close, writes @nmozz.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/child-pove...
national.thelead.uk/p/child-pove...
Crisis has a way of focusing minds - and this week has certainly been a crisis for the Parliamentary Labour Party. This time, MPs chose responsibility.
✍️ @zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/keir-starm...
✍️ @zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/keir-starm...
Keir Starmer cannot pretend this is a passing storm
To have any hope of remaining in Number 10, the prime minister must reset his relationship with his own MPs
national.thelead.uk
February 10, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Crisis has a way of focusing minds - and this week has certainly been a crisis for the Parliamentary Labour Party. This time, MPs chose responsibility.
✍️ @zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/keir-starm...
✍️ @zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/keir-starm...
While most of the reporting on the latest tranche of Epstein files has focused on Peter Mandelson and the disgraced former Prince Andrew, they are not the full picture. They also reveal a web of connections involving figures on the global hard right.
national.thelead.uk/p/jeffrey-ep...
national.thelead.uk/p/jeffrey-ep...
The Lead Untangles: Who are the far-right figures mentioned in the Epstein files?
From Nick Candy to Elon Musk, we dig into who lurks within the Epstein files, and why they feature
national.thelead.uk
February 10, 2026 at 9:49 AM
While most of the reporting on the latest tranche of Epstein files has focused on Peter Mandelson and the disgraced former Prince Andrew, they are not the full picture. They also reveal a web of connections involving figures on the global hard right.
national.thelead.uk/p/jeffrey-ep...
national.thelead.uk/p/jeffrey-ep...
Senior Calderdale councillors are being urged to look into setting up a business rate hardship fund to help those which might be struggling. Plus plenty more on what's happening across Calderdale with @andrewgreaves84.bsky.social
Town hall chiefs urged to set up 'hardship' scheme to help with business rates
Councillor argues scheme is needed to help offset challenges businesses face
calderdale.thelead.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Senior Calderdale councillors are being urged to look into setting up a business rate hardship fund to help those which might be struggling. Plus plenty more on what's happening across Calderdale with @andrewgreaves84.bsky.social
A row over the future of care homes has descended into debate over exactly who is to blame for causing ‘distress’ to staff, residents and families most affected by the County Hall process. @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social continues to keep a watchful eye on what Reform are doing at LCC.
Row over future of care homes descends into blame game
Finger-pointing continues at County Hall
lancashire.thelead.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
A row over the future of care homes has descended into debate over exactly who is to blame for causing ‘distress’ to staff, residents and families most affected by the County Hall process. @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social continues to keep a watchful eye on what Reform are doing at LCC.
Skips, McCoy's and plenty more household names when it comes to crisps could be halted by the latest strike action by workers, @leighsus.bsky.social reports
Third strike vote in six months held at KP Snacks
Union members at the Billingham factory, which produces Skips, McCoy's and more, vote in favour of walking out
teesside.thelead.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Skips, McCoy's and plenty more household names when it comes to crisps could be halted by the latest strike action by workers, @leighsus.bsky.social reports
Two shops operating from the former BHS store in Southport town centre have been ordered to shut over safety concerns, @jamielopez.bsky.social reports
Unsafe shops in former BHS building forced to close
Prohibition notices has been issued over risk of serious injury to staff and customers
southport.thelead.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Two shops operating from the former BHS store in Southport town centre have been ordered to shut over safety concerns, @jamielopez.bsky.social reports
The woman responsible for education in Merthyr has been forced to apologise for the wording of a letter sent to parents of children with additional learning needs, @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social reports
"I cried when I read the letter to parents from Merthyr Tydfil's Director of Education."
Parents felt rage, hurt, and disappointment when they opened a letter regarding ALN education in Merthyr Tydfil.
thevalleys.thelead.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
The woman responsible for education in Merthyr has been forced to apologise for the wording of a letter sent to parents of children with additional learning needs, @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social reports
Starting with a special report in Blackpool where plans to redevelop one of the most impoverished areas of the UK have been hit by strong criticism about how it's being done, @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social reports
'We are being forced out': Council accused of displacing community with regeneration plans
There is broad agreement that regeneration of the area is necessary - but strongly-worded criticism of how it is being done
blackpool.thelead.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Starting with a special report in Blackpool where plans to redevelop one of the most impoverished areas of the UK have been hit by strong criticism about how it's being done, @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social reports
Good morning - here's our latest editions of The Lead's local titles which dropped into thousands of inboxes over the weekend bringing original local journalism direct. Make sure you're signed up to get them first.
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Good morning - here's our latest editions of The Lead's local titles which dropped into thousands of inboxes over the weekend bringing original local journalism direct. Make sure you're signed up to get them first.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing the most serious crisis of his premiership. Labour MPs are furious, and publicly unsure whether their leader can carry on. And yet there is a reason that the knives remain sheathed.
@zoe.grunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/sir-keir-s...
@zoe.grunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/sir-keir-s...
Why Starmer might not be ready to go just yet
Open rebellion means the Prime Minister's position is precarious. But there's a reason the knives haven't been drawn
national.thelead.uk
February 5, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Sir Keir Starmer is facing the most serious crisis of his premiership. Labour MPs are furious, and publicly unsure whether their leader can carry on. And yet there is a reason that the knives remain sheathed.
@zoe.grunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/sir-keir-s...
@zoe.grunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/sir-keir-s...
In this week's Reform Watch: Matt Goodwin endorsed by Tommy Robinson, cynicism in Preston and Dogle failures
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
Reform Watch: Goodwin endorsed by Tommy Robinson, plus cynicism in Preston and Dogle failures
Each week we cast our eyes over what Reform have been up to.
national.thelead.uk
February 5, 2026 at 1:02 PM
In this week's Reform Watch: Matt Goodwin endorsed by Tommy Robinson, cynicism in Preston and Dogle failures
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
On Saturday, we'll be exploring other organisations that are rebuilding the village from the ground up, as part of our solutions focused series, The Hope Reset. Subscribe now so you don't miss it
national.thelead.uk
national.thelead.uk
The Lead | The Lead Editors | Substack
An independent, proudly progressive publication committed to covering the UK beyond the Westminster bubble. Our journalism starts with people and place, and follows the thread to the policies that…
national.thelead.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:58 PM
On Saturday, we'll be exploring other organisations that are rebuilding the village from the ground up, as part of our solutions focused series, The Hope Reset. Subscribe now so you don't miss it
national.thelead.uk
national.thelead.uk
The Welsh government’s launch of Baby Bundles is an overdue and welcome recognition that parenting is not, in fact, a solo sport. Raising a child requires a village - and this policy acknowledges that forgotten truth.
national.thelead.uk/p/baby-bundl...
national.thelead.uk/p/baby-bundl...
Parents aren’t failing their children. The state is failing parents
Welsh baby bundles are welcome – but they won’t rebuild the village parents desperately need.
national.thelead.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:58 PM
The Welsh government’s launch of Baby Bundles is an overdue and welcome recognition that parenting is not, in fact, a solo sport. Raising a child requires a village - and this policy acknowledges that forgotten truth.
national.thelead.uk/p/baby-bundl...
national.thelead.uk/p/baby-bundl...
Our round-up of what The Lead's been has reading, listening to, scrolling and watching this week ⬇️
national.thelead.uk/p/peter-mand...
national.thelead.uk/p/peter-mand...
The Lead Digest: AI in the North, quarter zips and Peter Mandelson
Our round-up by The Lead’s team of what we’ve been reading, listening to, scrolling and watching each week.
national.thelead.uk
February 5, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Our round-up of what The Lead's been has reading, listening to, scrolling and watching this week ⬇️
national.thelead.uk/p/peter-mand...
national.thelead.uk/p/peter-mand...
Reposted by The Lead
Do you hear that, coming from Nigel Farage? An unfamiliar sound: silence.
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Reform UK’s silence on Epstein speaks volumes
A politics that claims to defend women while refusing to confront the systems that harm them is not about protection. It's about strategy.
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Do you hear that, coming from Nigel Farage? An unfamiliar sound: silence.
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Reposted by The Lead
Free school transport for hundreds of children in RCT has been cut since September. I heard from two parents whose families have been impacted, the campaigners calling for change, and the politicians supporting them.
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/my-child-i...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/my-child-i...
"My child is walking six miles to and from school every day."
Families in Rhondda Cynon Taf are crying out for changes after changes to school transport came into effect in September
thevalleys.thelead.uk
February 4, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Free school transport for hundreds of children in RCT has been cut since September. I heard from two parents whose families have been impacted, the campaigners calling for change, and the politicians supporting them.
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/my-child-i...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
thevalleys.thelead.uk/p/my-child-i...
And @leighsus.bsky.social reports on strong words from Jonathan Brash as he accuses his predecessor in Parliament over latest Epstein files disclosure
Hartlepool MP labels Peter Mandelson a 'traitor'
Jonathan Brash accuses his predecessor in Parliament over latest Epstein files disclosure
teesside.thelead.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:29 PM
And @leighsus.bsky.social reports on strong words from Jonathan Brash as he accuses his predecessor in Parliament over latest Epstein files disclosure
The Epstein files continue to dominate the national news agenda - and there was a mention of Blackpool, and Bill Clinton. Words @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social did not expect to be editing.
Ghislaine Maxwell tried to arrange Mandelson and Clinton meeting in Blackpool
World news spills over into Blackpool as the town is named within the latest Epstein files
blackpool.thelead.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:29 PM
The Epstein files continue to dominate the national news agenda - and there was a mention of Blackpool, and Bill Clinton. Words @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social did not expect to be editing.
More children in Halifax will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs - @andrewgreaves84.bsky.social looks at the two local primary schools due to be on the list
More free breakfast clubs for Halifax schools as MP's lobbying reaps success
The breakfast clubs have already been having an impact on learning across the town
calderdale.thelead.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:29 PM
More children in Halifax will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs - @andrewgreaves84.bsky.social looks at the two local primary schools due to be on the list
Closures in the hospitality sector are happening rapidly, outside of Lancashire then Guy's Thatched Hamlet will be a mystery. But within the county it was a staple of the leisure scene. Now it's gone.
What went wrong for Guy's Thatched Hamlet?
A major loss for the hospitality sector - but has a buyer been found?
lancashire.thelead.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Closures in the hospitality sector are happening rapidly, outside of Lancashire then Guy's Thatched Hamlet will be a mystery. But within the county it was a staple of the leisure scene. Now it's gone.