Tilda Martin
@matildamartin.bsky.social
Political Reporter @PoliticsHome 🖊️ about education (and a few other things)
📧matilda.martin@politicshome.com(she/her) | prev Senior Reporter @tes
📧matilda.martin@politicshome.com(she/her) | prev Senior Reporter @tes
As opposition to immigration reform plans ramps up, one MP tells me:
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
November 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
As opposition to immigration reform plans ramps up, one MP tells me:
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
Very much enjoyed this dive into what exactly has gone on inside the Reform party in Cornwall since the council elections in May
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
When reality bites: the rapid rise and chaotic fall of Reform UK in Cornwall
Resignations, suspensions and infighting lead to party losing crown of highest number of seats in the county
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Very much enjoyed this dive into what exactly has gone on inside the Reform party in Cornwall since the council elections in May
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“The whole thing is like an elaborate leftist self-parody performance,” one left-wing source remarks drily. “We’ve got more factions than MPs,” sighs a senior figure.
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The Corbyn-Sultana Power Struggle: How 'Your Party' Got Here And How It Ends
Ahead of its founding conference, Sienna Rodgers reports on the hostilities within the new left-wing project, Your Party, as Jeremy Corbyn and Zara...
www.politicshome.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“The whole thing is like an elaborate leftist self-parody performance,” one left-wing source remarks drily. “We’ve got more factions than MPs,” sighs a senior figure.
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
More bad news for Reform in Kent as 2 previously suspended councillors now permanently expelled
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform UK expels Kent councillor after alleged video leak
Isabella Kemp said she
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:11 AM
More bad news for Reform in Kent as 2 previously suspended councillors now permanently expelled
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Exclusive:
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
Whitehall Decision Making Procedure Could Be Overhauled To Stop Delays
The government is considering scrapping Whitehall's 'write-round' process as part of its bid to speed up decision making, PoliticsHome understands
www.politicshome.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Exclusive:
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
Reposted by Tilda Martin
In a feature for @politicshome.bsky.social I’ve explored the debate behind the government’s “difficult tightrope” on immigration policy
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
'It's About Earning Consent': Inside The Labour Government's 'Difficult Tightrope' On Immigration
Government insiders believe there is political space to set out a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who support a progr...
www.politicshome.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
In a feature for @politicshome.bsky.social I’ve explored the debate behind the government’s “difficult tightrope” on immigration policy
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
I understand there's a split within govt over how big the controversial new levy on international students should be
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Departments Split On Size Of International Student Levy
Exclusive: There is disagreement within the government over how big the new levy on international students should be.
www.politicshome.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM
I understand there's a split within govt over how big the controversial new levy on international students should be
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Half of voters who backed Labour in 2024 have deserted the party, according to internal polling shared with Labour MPs, reports PolHome's Harriet Symonds
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
Half of 2024 Labour Voters Have Gone Elsewhere, Party Privately Tells MPs
Half of voters who backed Labour at the last general election have deserted the party, according to internal polling shared with Labour MPs.
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Half of voters who backed Labour in 2024 have deserted the party, according to internal polling shared with Labour MPs, reports PolHome's Harriet Symonds
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
Reposted by Tilda Martin
"Any attack on any member of my Cabinet is completely unacceptable," Keir Starmer told PMQs on Wednesday
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
Keir Starmer Says No 10 Briefings Against Wes Streeting Are 'Completely Unacceptable”
Keir Starmer has said any attack on his Cabinet 'is completely unacceptable” and come to the defence of Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:51 PM
"Any attack on any member of my Cabinet is completely unacceptable," Keir Starmer told PMQs on Wednesday
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
Reposted by Tilda Martin
“We need to do something... but it makes me nervous"
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
'It's About Earning Consent': Inside The Labour Government's 'Difficult Tightrope' On Immigration
Government insiders believe there is political space to set out a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who support a progr...
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:16 AM
“We need to do something... but it makes me nervous"
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
An interesting story from Portsmouth this morning where latest YouGov MRP projects Pmouth North for Reform & Pmouth South for Labour in a GE
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Portsmouth Lib Dem Jason Fazackarley defects to Reform UK
Jason Fazackarley's switch means Reform UK now has eight councillors on Portsmouth City Council.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
An interesting story from Portsmouth this morning where latest YouGov MRP projects Pmouth North for Reform & Pmouth South for Labour in a GE
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
One loyalist Labour MP tells me last night's events were a "catastrophe"
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Labour MPs Say No 10 Briefing Has Increased Wes Streeting’s Chances Of Becoming PM
Labour MPs have told PoliticsHome that Wes Streeting’s stock has increased among members of the Parliamentary Labour Party, particularly its soft l...
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:45 AM
One loyalist Labour MP tells me last night's events were a "catastrophe"
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
EXC: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as they struggle to find people to stand for election
Tories Fast-Track Local Selection Rules As Party Struggles To Find Candidates
Exclusive: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as the party struggles to fin...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
EXC: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as they struggle to find people to stand for election
Juliana Süß, from defence think tank RUSI points to China’s growing capabilities in space.
“China has thrown everything they have up into space...For them, space is tied to the China dream."
Story from @noahvickers.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
“China has thrown everything they have up into space...For them, space is tied to the China dream."
Story from @noahvickers.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
'No Longer A Distant Frontier': How Can Britain Compete In The 'Battlefield' Of Space?
As hostile states seek to expand their reach in space, how can the UK defend its infrastructure? Noah Vickers reports
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Juliana Süß, from defence think tank RUSI points to China’s growing capabilities in space.
“China has thrown everything they have up into space...For them, space is tied to the China dream."
Story from @noahvickers.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
“China has thrown everything they have up into space...For them, space is tied to the China dream."
Story from @noahvickers.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Story from @cjayanetti.bsky.social
Reform’s North Northamptonshire Council is planning to double council tax on second homes 6 months after Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
Another example of friction bw local and national policy
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reform’s North Northamptonshire Council is planning to double council tax on second homes 6 months after Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
Another example of friction bw local and national policy
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reform Council To Double Tax On Second Homes Despite Nigel Farage Calling The Idea 'Madness'
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madne...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Story from @cjayanetti.bsky.social
Reform’s North Northamptonshire Council is planning to double council tax on second homes 6 months after Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
Another example of friction bw local and national policy
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reform’s North Northamptonshire Council is planning to double council tax on second homes 6 months after Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
Another example of friction bw local and national policy
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
More top @matildamartin.bsky.social data work, this time showing why there are growing calls for council tax to be overhauled
Highest rates (% of house price) are in some of the country's poorest areas
@jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social, chair of council tax reform APPG, says the figures are "insane"
Highest rates (% of house price) are in some of the country's poorest areas
@jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social, chair of council tax reform APPG, says the figures are "insane"
November 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
More top @matildamartin.bsky.social data work, this time showing why there are growing calls for council tax to be overhauled
Highest rates (% of house price) are in some of the country's poorest areas
@jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social, chair of council tax reform APPG, says the figures are "insane"
Highest rates (% of house price) are in some of the country's poorest areas
@jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social, chair of council tax reform APPG, says the figures are "insane"
Labour MPs warn council tax is “driving poverty” as analysis shows some of the most deprived areas are paying the highest rates
The analysis revealed a strong relationship: the more deprived a local authority, the higher its CT as a percentage of house prices
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The analysis revealed a strong relationship: the more deprived a local authority, the higher its CT as a percentage of house prices
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Labour MPs warn council tax is “driving poverty” as analysis shows some of the most deprived areas are paying the highest rates
The analysis revealed a strong relationship: the more deprived a local authority, the higher its CT as a percentage of house prices
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The analysis revealed a strong relationship: the more deprived a local authority, the higher its CT as a percentage of house prices
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
NEW: Reported plans to double tax rates on the top two council tax bands would cause huge distortions and unequal treatment between owners of expensive homes across England
One area where homes cost £500k would barely be touched
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
One area where homes cost £500k would barely be touched
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Why Council Tax Reform Is Fraught With Difficulty
New analysis shows why council tax reform is such a hard task for the government as it faces widespread calls for the system to be updated.
www.politicshome.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:35 AM
NEW: Reported plans to double tax rates on the top two council tax bands would cause huge distortions and unequal treatment between owners of expensive homes across England
One area where homes cost £500k would barely be touched
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
One area where homes cost £500k would barely be touched
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
A change to council tax reporting being considered by the government would lead to huge disparities in what owners of similarly expensive properties would pay, PolHome analysis has found
Story by @cjayanetti.bsky.social
Story by @cjayanetti.bsky.social
Why Council Tax Reform Is Fraught With Difficulty
New analysis shows why council tax reform is such a hard task for the government as it faces widespread calls for the system to be updated.
www.politicshome.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:13 AM
A change to council tax reporting being considered by the government would lead to huge disparities in what owners of similarly expensive properties would pay, PolHome analysis has found
Story by @cjayanetti.bsky.social
Story by @cjayanetti.bsky.social
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Excl: Govt set to hold two meetings on homelessness this month as stakeholders call for more urgency on the issue
The government is being urged to step up its efforts to reduce homelessness as it prepares to host a summit on tackling rough sleeping.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The government is being urged to step up its efforts to reduce homelessness as it prepares to host a summit on tackling rough sleeping.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Government To Hold Homelessness Summit As Sector Calls For More Urgency
The government is being urged to step up its efforts to reduce homelessness as it prepares to host a summit on tackling rough sleeping.
www.politicshome.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Excl: Govt set to hold two meetings on homelessness this month as stakeholders call for more urgency on the issue
The government is being urged to step up its efforts to reduce homelessness as it prepares to host a summit on tackling rough sleeping.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The government is being urged to step up its efforts to reduce homelessness as it prepares to host a summit on tackling rough sleeping.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
I'm losing my mind over how many reviewers are like "GDT's Frankenstein makes you wonder who the real monster is." THAT'S THE STORY! That's the story Shelley wrote!
November 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
I'm losing my mind over how many reviewers are like "GDT's Frankenstein makes you wonder who the real monster is." THAT'S THE STORY! That's the story Shelley wrote!
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Want to work in TV? Channel 4's apprenticeship programme is now open to applications for places in Manchester. Gain Level 4, or 7 qualifications while actively contributing to projects.
Find out more below and apply today:
careers.channel4.com/4skills/appr...
Find out more below and apply today:
careers.channel4.com/4skills/appr...
Apprenticeships | Channel 4 Careers
careers.channel4.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Want to work in TV? Channel 4's apprenticeship programme is now open to applications for places in Manchester. Gain Level 4, or 7 qualifications while actively contributing to projects.
Find out more below and apply today:
careers.channel4.com/4skills/appr...
Find out more below and apply today:
careers.channel4.com/4skills/appr...
Enjoyed chatting with @alaintolhurst.bsky.social and guests about the current challenges facing the university sector
We discuss:
🎓The international student levy
🎓The tensions between wider govt immigration policy and unis
🎓And....Reform UK
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
We discuss:
🎓The international student levy
🎓The tensions between wider govt immigration policy and unis
🎓And....Reform UK
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Are universities about to collapse?
Podcast Episode · The Rundown by PoliticsHome · 07/11/2025 · 40m
podcasts.apple.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Enjoyed chatting with @alaintolhurst.bsky.social and guests about the current challenges facing the university sector
We discuss:
🎓The international student levy
🎓The tensions between wider govt immigration policy and unis
🎓And....Reform UK
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
We discuss:
🎓The international student levy
🎓The tensions between wider govt immigration policy and unis
🎓And....Reform UK
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
🚨OUT NOW🚨 Are unis about to collapse? 🎓
Ex-minister Jo Johnson, UUK's Vivienne Stern, Public First's Jess Lister and Russell Group's Sarah Stevens join PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social & @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss the strain on higher education
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
Ex-minister Jo Johnson, UUK's Vivienne Stern, Public First's Jess Lister and Russell Group's Sarah Stevens join PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social & @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss the strain on higher education
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
November 7, 2025 at 10:43 AM
🚨OUT NOW🚨 Are unis about to collapse? 🎓
Ex-minister Jo Johnson, UUK's Vivienne Stern, Public First's Jess Lister and Russell Group's Sarah Stevens join PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social & @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss the strain on higher education
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
Ex-minister Jo Johnson, UUK's Vivienne Stern, Public First's Jess Lister and Russell Group's Sarah Stevens join PolHome's @matildamartin.bsky.social & @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss the strain on higher education
Listen: podfollow.com/politicshome...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Justice Secretary David Lammy has defended his decision not to answer questions about a wrongly-released prisoner during PMQs on Wednesday, saying he did not have "all of the detail" about the case
David Lammy Says He Made 'Right Judgement' Not Telling PMQs About Accidental Prison Release
Justice Secretary David Lammy has defended his decision not to disclose more information about a wrongly-released prisoner to MPs on Wednesday, say...
www.politicshome.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Justice Secretary David Lammy has defended his decision not to answer questions about a wrongly-released prisoner during PMQs on Wednesday, saying he did not have "all of the detail" about the case