Tim Durrant
@timdurrant.bsky.social
Programme Director at the Institute for Government - interested in how government works and how it can work better
🏳️🌈
🏳️🌈
We're at the stage of "IfG colleagues posting slightly exasperated explainer threads before dawn" of the political crisis, if anyone is counting
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
February 10, 2026 at 9:16 AM
We're at the stage of "IfG colleagues posting slightly exasperated explainer threads before dawn" of the political crisis, if anyone is counting
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
February 10, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Reposted by Tim Durrant
So it looks like Chris Wormald will be leaving his job as cabinet secretary
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
February 10, 2026 at 7:37 AM
So it looks like Chris Wormald will be leaving his job as cabinet secretary
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
The only solid new announcement was a change to the vetting process for 'relevant' direct ministerial appointments, including politically appointed diplomatic roles.
February 9, 2026 at 5:46 PM
The only solid new announcement was a change to the vetting process for 'relevant' direct ministerial appointments, including politically appointed diplomatic roles.
Darren Jones has set out various things that the government is "considering" to bolster how ethics are upheld, including:
- considering changing the process for declaration of financial interests
- looking closely at how lobbying is managed
- revisiting the guidance on the use of informal comms...
- considering changing the process for declaration of financial interests
- looking closely at how lobbying is managed
- revisiting the guidance on the use of informal comms...
February 9, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Darren Jones has set out various things that the government is "considering" to bolster how ethics are upheld, including:
- considering changing the process for declaration of financial interests
- looking closely at how lobbying is managed
- revisiting the guidance on the use of informal comms...
- considering changing the process for declaration of financial interests
- looking closely at how lobbying is managed
- revisiting the guidance on the use of informal comms...
Darren Jones says there's a lack of clarity about non-corporate communication channels (ie WhatsApp, gmail) inside govt - I don't think it's unclear, if you're in the cabinet don't send sensitive info onto your personal email and then onto your mates.
February 9, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Darren Jones says there's a lack of clarity about non-corporate communication channels (ie WhatsApp, gmail) inside govt - I don't think it's unclear, if you're in the cabinet don't send sensitive info onto your personal email and then onto your mates.
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Tim Allan only joined No10 in September last year as part of the most recent (very turbulent) 'reset'...
February 9, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Tim Allan only joined No10 in September last year as part of the most recent (very turbulent) 'reset'...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
The Intelligence and Security Committee is the parliamentary body that will be looking into Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US.
Our explainer sets out more about the role of the ISC and how it works www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/in...
Our explainer sets out more about the role of the ISC and how it works www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/in...
The Intelligence and Security Committee | Institute for Government
The ISC oversees the UK Intelligence Community
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 9, 2026 at 11:35 AM
The Intelligence and Security Committee is the parliamentary body that will be looking into Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US.
Our explainer sets out more about the role of the ISC and how it works www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/in...
Our explainer sets out more about the role of the ISC and how it works www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/in...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
EXCL: Tim Allan, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, steps down from Downing Street role.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
February 9, 2026 at 10:59 AM
EXCL: Tim Allan, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, steps down from Downing Street role.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success,” he says.
Reposted by Tim Durrant
This is bleakly comic: six times when Parliament has agreed the need for a major programme of works to the Palace of Westminster, and yet we'll need another vote in 2026 and then a further vote in mid 2030.
February 5, 2026 at 2:53 PM
This is bleakly comic: six times when Parliament has agreed the need for a major programme of works to the Palace of Westminster, and yet we'll need another vote in 2026 and then a further vote in mid 2030.
Reposted by Tim Durrant
The House of Lords should catch up with the Commons on disciplinary procedures.
But legislation to remove peerages must be tightly drawn. Getting it right is more important than passing it urgently, says @drhannahwhite.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pete...
But legislation to remove peerages must be tightly drawn. Getting it right is more important than passing it urgently, says @drhannahwhite.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pete...
The Peter Mandelson case shows the House of Lords needs an independent disciplinary system | Institute for Government
The Lords should catch up with the Commons on disciplinary procedures.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 9:56 AM
The House of Lords should catch up with the Commons on disciplinary procedures.
But legislation to remove peerages must be tightly drawn. Getting it right is more important than passing it urgently, says @drhannahwhite.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pete...
But legislation to remove peerages must be tightly drawn. Getting it right is more important than passing it urgently, says @drhannahwhite.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pete...
Interested in working in think tanks? Join @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and a group of other think tanks for an event about what working in the sector is like:
www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...
www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...
February 4, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Interested in working in think tanks? Join @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and a group of other think tanks for an event about what working in the sector is like:
www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...
www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
NEW | How devolution can improve transport connectivity
Our latest DevoLab briefing sets out three case studies showing how mayoral strategic authorities are ideally placed to help tackle England’s transport challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Our latest DevoLab briefing sets out three case studies showing how mayoral strategic authorities are ideally placed to help tackle England’s transport challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Learning from the DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity | Institute for Government
Three case studies of how devolved powers and mayoral influence have been used to improve transport connectivity.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 30, 2026 at 10:24 AM
NEW | How devolution can improve transport connectivity
Our latest DevoLab briefing sets out three case studies showing how mayoral strategic authorities are ideally placed to help tackle England’s transport challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Our latest DevoLab briefing sets out three case studies showing how mayoral strategic authorities are ideally placed to help tackle England’s transport challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Great FT piece citing @cassiarowland.bsky.social’s analysis which shows gov plans to radically reduce jury trials save relatively little court capacity. The should focus on court productivity instead
Also makes important point that MoJ data is poor. Needs to be fixed asap
ep.ft.com/permalink/em...
Also makes important point that MoJ data is poor. Needs to be fixed asap
ep.ft.com/permalink/em...
The absence of government modelling to justify curtailing the right to trial by jury has allowed opponents to make all the running — and that may yet precipitate another Labour U-turn. It has also exposed a lack of good data to monitor one specific problem that is contributing to trial delays every day.
ep.ft.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Great FT piece citing @cassiarowland.bsky.social’s analysis which shows gov plans to radically reduce jury trials save relatively little court capacity. The should focus on court productivity instead
Also makes important point that MoJ data is poor. Needs to be fixed asap
ep.ft.com/permalink/em...
Also makes important point that MoJ data is poor. Needs to be fixed asap
ep.ft.com/permalink/em...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
My take on the government's plan for police reform: a welcome attempt at ambitious, long-term change – but one that risks making police leadership and accountability too remote from local areas 🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker | Institute for Government
There is much to welcome in the home secretary’s proposals on police reform.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 1:23 PM
My take on the government's plan for police reform: a welcome attempt at ambitious, long-term change – but one that risks making police leadership and accountability too remote from local areas 🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker
@cassiarowland.bsky.social gives her verdict on the home secretary's proposals on police reform www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
@cassiarowland.bsky.social gives her verdict on the home secretary's proposals on police reform www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker | Institute for Government
There is much to welcome in the home secretary’s proposals on police reform.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 12:21 PM
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker
@cassiarowland.bsky.social gives her verdict on the home secretary's proposals on police reform www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
@cassiarowland.bsky.social gives her verdict on the home secretary's proposals on police reform www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Fantastic new report from @gilesyb.bsky.social, great to have @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social on board as partners for this work.
Do take a look at Giles' comment piece here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/grow...
Do take a look at Giles' comment piece here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/grow...
January 28, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Fantastic new report from @gilesyb.bsky.social, great to have @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social on board as partners for this work.
Do take a look at Giles' comment piece here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/grow...
Do take a look at Giles' comment piece here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/grow...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Government taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery, says @hannahkeenan.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery, says @hannahkeenan.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Government taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state | Institute for Government
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 27, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Government taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery, says @hannahkeenan.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery, says @hannahkeenan.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
With the news that the government is considering scrapping the Independent Commission on Aid Impact, worth checking out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event from a few years ago on what the watchdog does:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
What can the aid watchdog tell us about spending public money well? | Institute for Government
Too often the discussion about public spending is about how much is spent, not whether it is spent usefully.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 26, 2026 at 5:19 PM
With the news that the government is considering scrapping the Independent Commission on Aid Impact, worth checking out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event from a few years ago on what the watchdog does:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Me: Absolutely ridiculous that this is how we handle MPs resigning in 2026
Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
Treasury announcement: "The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Andrew John Gwynne to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead."
January 23, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Me: Absolutely ridiculous that this is how we handle MPs resigning in 2026
Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Today, in her keynote speech at the Institute for Government, the FM set out her vision for the future of devolution in Wales, including some of the IfG's favourite topics: the Barnett formula and intergovernmental relations.
🧵below on some of the key points and where you can find out more.
🧵below on some of the key points and where you can find out more.
TODAY | In conversation with Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales
We are pleased to have @prifweinidog.gov.wales at the IfG to discuss her priorities as FM, relations with Westminster, the 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...
We are pleased to have @prifweinidog.gov.wales at the IfG to discuss her priorities as FM, relations with Westminster, the 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...
January 22, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Today, in her keynote speech at the Institute for Government, the FM set out her vision for the future of devolution in Wales, including some of the IfG's favourite topics: the Barnett formula and intergovernmental relations.
🧵below on some of the key points and where you can find out more.
🧵below on some of the key points and where you can find out more.
Reposted by Tim Durrant
We were delighted to be joined by @prifweinidog.gov.wales at the IfG yesterday.
With @akashpaun.bsky.social she discussed her priorities as FM, relations with Westminster, 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution.
Listen to her speech:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...
With @akashpaun.bsky.social she discussed her priorities as FM, relations with Westminster, 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution.
Listen to her speech:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...
January 23, 2026 at 10:30 AM
We were delighted to be joined by @prifweinidog.gov.wales at the IfG yesterday.
With @akashpaun.bsky.social she discussed her priorities as FM, relations with Westminster, 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution.
Listen to her speech:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...
With @akashpaun.bsky.social she discussed her priorities as FM, relations with Westminster, 2026 Senedd election and the future of devolution.
Listen to her speech:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/conver...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
PODCAST 🎙️ "It felt like Groundhog Day, reading a lot of things that [Darren Jones] is proposing. A lot of it could have been me 10 years ago."
Lord Maude joins us to discuss the latest government reform plans.
🎧 Listen to the full Inside Briefing www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Lord Maude joins us to discuss the latest government reform plans.
🎧 Listen to the full Inside Briefing www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
January 23, 2026 at 2:28 PM
PODCAST 🎙️ "It felt like Groundhog Day, reading a lot of things that [Darren Jones] is proposing. A lot of it could have been me 10 years ago."
Lord Maude joins us to discuss the latest government reform plans.
🎧 Listen to the full Inside Briefing www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Lord Maude joins us to discuss the latest government reform plans.
🎧 Listen to the full Inside Briefing www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Government taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Government taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state | Institute for Government
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Government taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Really important piece from @amberdellar.bsky.social on the problems with relying on legal rights in a broken system. It's particularly bad in the SEND system, but there are lessons here for lots of the public sector
Short comment from me about SEND reform:
Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive.
Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive.
Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
The government should be clear about the trade-offs involved in SEND reform | Institute for Government
Decisions about legal safeguards will shape the future SEND system.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Really important piece from @amberdellar.bsky.social on the problems with relying on legal rights in a broken system. It's particularly bad in the SEND system, but there are lessons here for lots of the public sector