Paddy McAlary
@paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
Researcher @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Fellow @ihr.bsky.social
Fellow @ihr.bsky.social
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
As bad as your day might be, it could be worse, you could be the person who accidentally published the OBR's budget document a couple of hours early: obr.uk/docs/dlm_upl...
obr.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
As bad as your day might be, it could be worse, you could be the person who accidentally published the OBR's budget document a couple of hours early: obr.uk/docs/dlm_upl...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Pleased to have written an op-ed for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social outlining some of the lessons from our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report, Ministers Reflect on the Treasury.
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Ministers’ own words are instructive on what has to change in the Treasury
HMT is a big beast in need of some housetraining but ministers outside the department also need to learn how to make the Treasury work for them
www.civilserviceworld.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Pleased to have written an op-ed for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social outlining some of the lessons from our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report, Ministers Reflect on the Treasury.
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Rachel Reeves told the FT how helpful she's found Jeremy Hunt's advice on being chancellor - I wonder if this is one of the things they've discussed?
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
November 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Rachel Reeves told the FT how helpful she's found Jeremy Hunt's advice on being chancellor - I wonder if this is one of the things they've discussed?
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New paper, 'Ministers reflect on the Treasury' from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Pre-budget, we've compiled insights from 10 years of Ministers Reflect interviews, plus rex from the IfG catalogue on HMT. Favourite quotes to follow! 1/🧵 tinyurl.com/38anhkc7
![Quote graphic with “#Ministers Reflect” and a statement about the chancellor’s power over money, attributed to Jeremy Hunt — Chancellor of the Exchequer (2022–24), whose portrait appears to the right of the quote. The quote reads: "I think most of your power does revolve around the decisions you can make over money [...as chancellor] that puts you in a very different position to every other cabinet minister, including the prime minister." The Institute for Government logo is in the corner of the image.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yafpzg4e4ibpubp33xsq5v7q/bafkreigoe7oaqk4kw45ex74usg7hdlkwwkyrhgqk7qn6iacyfcrrujfiym@jpeg)
November 24, 2025 at 1:31 PM
New paper, 'Ministers reflect on the Treasury' from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Pre-budget, we've compiled insights from 10 years of Ministers Reflect interviews, plus rex from the IfG catalogue on HMT. Favourite quotes to follow! 1/🧵 tinyurl.com/38anhkc7
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
NEW | Ministers Reflect on the Treasury
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
!["I think most of your power does revolve around the decisions you can make over money [as chancellor] that puts you in a very different position to every other cabinet minister, including the prime minister."
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the exchequer (2022-24)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:d656x5rt365ylfpbzpwgpl4i/bafkreigoe7oaqk4kw45ex74usg7hdlkwwkyrhgqk7qn6iacyfcrrujfiym@jpeg)
November 24, 2025 at 10:55 AM
NEW | Ministers Reflect on the Treasury
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New data shows 40% of 19 to 21 year-old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in March this year (15,000 young people).
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
New data shows 40% of 19 to 21 year-old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in March this year (15,000 young people).
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
This is really part of a longer story about the ONS, and the picture we have (or don't) of the state and society. The move from International Passenger Surveys to DWP data should improve our understanding of what Brits are doing at least.
Worth noting:
• Upward revision applies to entire 2021-2024 series — the *trend* in emigration is *roughly* flat
• As infuriating as big revisions are, they mean data is getting better
• BUT wild that we ever used a survey to gauge movements into and out of the country instead of counting people!
• Upward revision applies to entire 2021-2024 series — the *trend* in emigration is *roughly* flat
• As infuriating as big revisions are, they mean data is getting better
• BUT wild that we ever used a survey to gauge movements into and out of the country instead of counting people!
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
This is really part of a longer story about the ONS, and the picture we have (or don't) of the state and society. The move from International Passenger Surveys to DWP data should improve our understanding of what Brits are doing at least.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Come join us next Monday for a conversation about all things fast stream!
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
November 11, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Come join us next Monday for a conversation about all things fast stream!
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
November 11, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
NEW REPORT Labour is struggling to meet its education priorities. It has big ambitions to improve schools, but a budget that falls short of matching them. And with no clear plans to reform the SEND system or tackle workforce shortages, children are being left without the support they need.
Performance Tracker 2025: Schools | Institute for Government
It will be extremely difficult for the government to meet its education priorities within the budget it has set for the coming parliament.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:57 AM
NEW REPORT Labour is struggling to meet its education priorities. It has big ambitions to improve schools, but a budget that falls short of matching them. And with no clear plans to reform the SEND system or tackle workforce shortages, children are being left without the support they need.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The government must explain and defend its grooming gang inquiry decisions | Institute for Government
Some disagreement when setting up an inquiry isn’t necessarily bad – but how it is handled matters.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
4 patterns we're seeing in adult social care, children's social care and homelessness services (with graphs)
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 | Institute for Government
Labour’s public service plans are less than the sum of their parts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:20 AM
4 patterns we're seeing in adult social care, children's social care and homelessness services (with graphs)
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
PSA: We have a new (and long) @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer out on the immigration and asylum policies of the major parties (of England...) following a flurry of announcements all year and around conference season, in particular.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
Immigration and asylum: Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem, Reform and Green positions | Institute for Government
What have the different political parties announced on immigration and asylum in the run up to – and during – the 2025 autumn conference season?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 3:34 PM
PSA: We have a new (and long) @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer out on the immigration and asylum policies of the major parties (of England...) following a flurry of announcements all year and around conference season, in particular.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
The government has established its new ethics regulator, the Ethics and Integrity Commission.
So what will the commission do? What are its responsibilities? And what other changes have the government made to the ethics and standards system? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/et...
So what will the commission do? What are its responsibilities? And what other changes have the government made to the ethics and standards system? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/et...
Ethics and Integrity Commission | Institute for Government
The government has established its new ethics regulator, the Ethics and Integrity Commission.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 14, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The government has established its new ethics regulator, the Ethics and Integrity Commission.
So what will the commission do? What are its responsibilities? And what other changes have the government made to the ethics and standards system? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/et...
So what will the commission do? What are its responsibilities? And what other changes have the government made to the ethics and standards system? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/et...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
As the new Ethics and Integrity Commission launches today, our explainer sets out what the commission looks like and what it will do www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/et...
Ethics and Integrity Commission | Institute for Government
The government has established its new ethics regulator, the Ethics and Integrity Commission.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 3:57 PM
As the new Ethics and Integrity Commission launches today, our explainer sets out what the commission looks like and what it will do www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/et...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
We have an updated ministerial code! The new code makes clear that ministers "are expected" to pay back any severance payment if they quickly get a new ministerial job or are found to have broken the rules on post-government jobs
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Ministerial Code
Ministerial Code setting out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duties.
www.gov.uk
October 13, 2025 at 10:45 AM
We have an updated ministerial code! The new code makes clear that ministers "are expected" to pay back any severance payment if they quickly get a new ministerial job or are found to have broken the rules on post-government jobs
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
What day is it? That's right, it's Day 2 ("containment") of Exercise Pegasus, the "largest ever simulation of a pandemic in UK history" - right now, teams in the NHS, govt depts and others are testing their approach to dealing with a possible future pandemic...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
October 9, 2025 at 11:27 AM
What day is it? That's right, it's Day 2 ("containment") of Exercise Pegasus, the "largest ever simulation of a pandemic in UK history" - right now, teams in the NHS, govt depts and others are testing their approach to dealing with a possible future pandemic...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
On Friday evening we officially welcomed our newest members of the Fellowship of Queens'. Their admission took place in our beautiful chapel and they were welcomed in by our President, Dame Menna Rawlings. Many congratulations and welcome to Queens'.💚
October 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM
On Friday evening we officially welcomed our newest members of the Fellowship of Queens'. Their admission took place in our beautiful chapel and they were welcomed in by our President, Dame Menna Rawlings. Many congratulations and welcome to Queens'.💚
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
So after promising to cut "wasteful spending" and council tax Reform has:
- Found no waste and instead plans to cut invest-to-save schemes
- Will now raise council tax by the full 5%
- Realised they don't control asylum spending
A staggering amount of failure in 5 months
- Found no waste and instead plans to cut invest-to-save schemes
- Will now raise council tax by the full 5%
- Realised they don't control asylum spending
A staggering amount of failure in 5 months
Reform likely to raise Kent council tax after cost-cutting drive falters on.ft.com/4pTvJ62
Reform likely to raise Kent council tax after cost-cutting drive falters
Nigel Farage’s party promised to revive local authority finances by slashing wasteful spending
on.ft.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:55 AM
So after promising to cut "wasteful spending" and council tax Reform has:
- Found no waste and instead plans to cut invest-to-save schemes
- Will now raise council tax by the full 5%
- Realised they don't control asylum spending
A staggering amount of failure in 5 months
- Found no waste and instead plans to cut invest-to-save schemes
- Will now raise council tax by the full 5%
- Realised they don't control asylum spending
A staggering amount of failure in 5 months
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
The govt published its strategy to revitalise local communities last week
There is a heavy focus on directing funding to high streets and community spaces, which is part of the reason for declining "pride in place"
But it seems misguided for a few reasons
Short thread
www.gov.uk/government/p...
There is a heavy focus on directing funding to high streets and community spaces, which is part of the reason for declining "pride in place"
But it seems misguided for a few reasons
Short thread
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Pride in Place Strategy
The Pride in Place Strategy will help build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.
www.gov.uk
September 28, 2025 at 10:34 AM
The govt published its strategy to revitalise local communities last week
There is a heavy focus on directing funding to high streets and community spaces, which is part of the reason for declining "pride in place"
But it seems misguided for a few reasons
Short thread
www.gov.uk/government/p...
There is a heavy focus on directing funding to high streets and community spaces, which is part of the reason for declining "pride in place"
But it seems misguided for a few reasons
Short thread
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Excellent coverage of the latest fast stream recruitment data from @tevyemarkson.bsky.social (also featuring analysis from our recent @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report). The CSFS is attracting rising numbers of applicants – so what happens once they're on the scheme is even more important.
NEW: The Civil Service Fast Stream received its biggest ever number of applicants for the 2025 intake of the grad scheme
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Fast Stream gets biggest ever number of applicants
More than 70,000 apply for 2025 Fast Stream intake, newly-published data shows
www.civilserviceworld.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Excellent coverage of the latest fast stream recruitment data from @tevyemarkson.bsky.social (also featuring analysis from our recent @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report). The CSFS is attracting rising numbers of applicants – so what happens once they're on the scheme is even more important.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
This interview is so much worse than the headline lets on
September 25, 2025 at 2:32 PM
This interview is so much worse than the headline lets on
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
2025 reshuffle: That's a wrap! Who's who in Starmer's cabinet 2.0 and what are the seven things we've learned?
@timdurrant.bsky.social , @philipnye.bsky.social, @rebeccamckee.bsky.social , @jackpannell.bsky.social @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
@timdurrant.bsky.social , @philipnye.bsky.social, @rebeccamckee.bsky.social , @jackpannell.bsky.social @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
September 2025 reshuffle: new-look government gets down to business | Institute for Government
A week has passed since Keir Starmer launched biggest reshuffle of his premiership.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
2025 reshuffle: That's a wrap! Who's who in Starmer's cabinet 2.0 and what are the seven things we've learned?
@timdurrant.bsky.social , @philipnye.bsky.social, @rebeccamckee.bsky.social , @jackpannell.bsky.social @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
@timdurrant.bsky.social , @philipnye.bsky.social, @rebeccamckee.bsky.social , @jackpannell.bsky.social @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Angela Rayner's resignation on Friday means that a contest to replace her as deputy leader of the Labour Party has started.
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Angela Rayner has stepped down as deputy leader of the Labour Party.
So who is in the running to replace her? How will the process work? And when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be?
Read our new explainer from @meganbryer.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
So who is in the running to replace her? How will the process work? And when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be?
Read our new explainer from @meganbryer.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
The 2025 Labour Party deputy leader contest | Institute for Government
Angela Rayner has stepped down as deputy leader of the Labour Party. Who is in the running to replace her and how will the process work?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Angela Rayner's resignation on Friday means that a contest to replace her as deputy leader of the Labour Party has started.
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!