Stefan Boscia
@stefanboscia.bsky.social
Politics Newsletter Editor for The Times.
EXCL A firm that gave £100k worth of donations to Labour in opposition has won £10m of govt contracts post-election
Public Digital seconded a staff member to write Labour's tech policies pre-election. The firm has since seen a surge in govt contracts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Public Digital seconded a staff member to write Labour's tech policies pre-election. The firm has since seen a surge in govt contracts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Labour ‘cronyism’ as firm linked to tech secretary wins contracts
Public Digital, a member of whose staff was seconded to Peter Kyle before the election, has had a fourfold increase in the value of awarded government contracts
www.thetimes.com
August 1, 2025 at 7:08 AM
EXCL A firm that gave £100k worth of donations to Labour in opposition has won £10m of govt contracts post-election
Public Digital seconded a staff member to write Labour's tech policies pre-election. The firm has since seen a surge in govt contracts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Public Digital seconded a staff member to write Labour's tech policies pre-election. The firm has since seen a surge in govt contracts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
EXCL Sadiq Khan has been informally advising the Democrats’ left-wing New York mayoral candidate on how to win his election.
But sources close to Khan say the self-avowed socialist Zohran Mamdani must moderate if he wants to become NYC mayor.
www.thetimes.com/article/0de1...
But sources close to Khan say the self-avowed socialist Zohran Mamdani must moderate if he wants to become NYC mayor.
www.thetimes.com/article/0de1...
Sadiq Khan tells Zohran Mamdani how to win New York mayor election
Mayor of London trades texts with left-wing Democrat about seizing centre ground after he secured party nomination — and was called a ‘lunatic’ by Trump
www.thetimes.com
July 22, 2025 at 8:08 PM
EXCL Sadiq Khan has been informally advising the Democrats’ left-wing New York mayoral candidate on how to win his election.
But sources close to Khan say the self-avowed socialist Zohran Mamdani must moderate if he wants to become NYC mayor.
www.thetimes.com/article/0de1...
But sources close to Khan say the self-avowed socialist Zohran Mamdani must moderate if he wants to become NYC mayor.
www.thetimes.com/article/0de1...
EXCL UK is No 1 target for Russian cyberattacks since Trump’s election
Government officials say Trump’s warmer posture towards Putin has led to a surge in attacks on British instead of American targets.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Government officials say Trump’s warmer posture towards Putin has led to a surge in attacks on British instead of American targets.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
UK is No 1 target for Russian cyberattacks since Trump’s election
Putin has switched his focus to Britain to avoid offending the US administration and as Starmer’s profile on the world stage grows, government sources say
www.thetimes.com
July 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
EXCL UK is No 1 target for Russian cyberattacks since Trump’s election
Government officials say Trump’s warmer posture towards Putin has led to a surge in attacks on British instead of American targets.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Government officials say Trump’s warmer posture towards Putin has led to a surge in attacks on British instead of American targets.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
EXCL A row between Sadiq Khan and Rachel Reeves is brewing thanks to concerns London will be shafted at the spending review.
City Hall figures believe London won’t get any of Reeves’ £113 billion of new infrastructure spending
More in this morning’s Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
City Hall figures believe London won’t get any of Reeves’ £113 billion of new infrastructure spending
More in this morning’s Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Cooper’s last stand
Presented by TikTok By STEFAN BOSCIA with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser Good Monday morning. This is Stefan Boscia. D…
www.politico.eu
June 9, 2025 at 10:17 AM
EXCL A row between Sadiq Khan and Rachel Reeves is brewing thanks to concerns London will be shafted at the spending review.
City Hall figures believe London won’t get any of Reeves’ £113 billion of new infrastructure spending
More in this morning’s Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
City Hall figures believe London won’t get any of Reeves’ £113 billion of new infrastructure spending
More in this morning’s Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Beyond excited to be moving to The Times next month to work for Wesmintster's best lobby team.
I'll be taking charge of the daily politics newsletter, while also finding stories for the paper.
I'll be taking charge of the daily politics newsletter, while also finding stories for the paper.
June 6, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Beyond excited to be moving to The Times next month to work for Wesmintster's best lobby team.
I'll be taking charge of the daily politics newsletter, while also finding stories for the paper.
I'll be taking charge of the daily politics newsletter, while also finding stories for the paper.
EXCL India has privately warned the UK and US that last month’s terror attack in Kashmir was a “turning point” for Narendra Modi — and that future attacks will be dealt with by increased force against Pakistan.
More in Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
More in Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
The Land of Eagles has landed
Presented by Coca-Cola By SAM BLEWETT with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser JUST IN: The U.K. economy grew by …
www.politico.eu
May 15, 2025 at 7:53 AM
EXCL India has privately warned the UK and US that last month’s terror attack in Kashmir was a “turning point” for Narendra Modi — and that future attacks will be dealt with by increased force against Pakistan.
More in Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
More in Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Very strange for a shadow foreign minister, Wendy Morton, to complain Keir Starmer is spending too much of his time on foreign affairs. #PMQs
May 14, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Very strange for a shadow foreign minister, Wendy Morton, to complain Keir Starmer is spending too much of his time on foreign affairs. #PMQs
EXCL Ex-No 10 foreign policy guru John Bew has been brought back to write the UK’s national security strategy.
Bew (previously sacked by Starmer in ‘24) will outline how UK can keep its security partnership with Europe and US w/o choosing sides.
More in Playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Bew (previously sacked by Starmer in ‘24) will outline how UK can keep its security partnership with Europe and US w/o choosing sides.
More in Playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Farage hits Labour for six
Presented by Google By SAM BLEWETT with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser Good Friday morning. This is Sam Blewett. DRIVI…
www.politico.eu
May 2, 2025 at 6:59 AM
EXCL Ex-No 10 foreign policy guru John Bew has been brought back to write the UK’s national security strategy.
Bew (previously sacked by Starmer in ‘24) will outline how UK can keep its security partnership with Europe and US w/o choosing sides.
More in Playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Bew (previously sacked by Starmer in ‘24) will outline how UK can keep its security partnership with Europe and US w/o choosing sides.
More in Playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
The West's most successful political party is steeling itself for a second electoral wipeout in 10 months.
But despite the Conservative Party's proud history of regicide, there's no internal appetite for leadership change...yet.
Via @politico.eu
www.politico.eu/article/brit...
But despite the Conservative Party's proud history of regicide, there's no internal appetite for leadership change...yet.
Via @politico.eu
www.politico.eu/article/brit...
Britain’s Tories brace for another electoral disaster
Local elections pose a steep test for the Conservative leadership of Kemi Badenoch, despite wide disapproval of the Labour government.
www.politico.eu
April 24, 2025 at 10:19 AM
The West's most successful political party is steeling itself for a second electoral wipeout in 10 months.
But despite the Conservative Party's proud history of regicide, there's no internal appetite for leadership change...yet.
Via @politico.eu
www.politico.eu/article/brit...
But despite the Conservative Party's proud history of regicide, there's no internal appetite for leadership change...yet.
Via @politico.eu
www.politico.eu/article/brit...
Reposted by Stefan Boscia
🚠 IN LONDON PLAYBOOK PM TONIGHT
💤 Keir Starmer frustrates senior MPs on select committee
🏗️ SCOOP from @stefanboscia.bsky.social on Reeves dropping steel nationalization block
👑 SCOOP on Rishi Sunak's resignation honors coming this week
💤 Keir Starmer frustrates senior MPs on select committee
🏗️ SCOOP from @stefanboscia.bsky.social on Reeves dropping steel nationalization block
👑 SCOOP on Rishi Sunak's resignation honors coming this week
April 8, 2025 at 4:38 PM
🚠 IN LONDON PLAYBOOK PM TONIGHT
💤 Keir Starmer frustrates senior MPs on select committee
🏗️ SCOOP from @stefanboscia.bsky.social on Reeves dropping steel nationalization block
👑 SCOOP on Rishi Sunak's resignation honors coming this week
💤 Keir Starmer frustrates senior MPs on select committee
🏗️ SCOOP from @stefanboscia.bsky.social on Reeves dropping steel nationalization block
👑 SCOOP on Rishi Sunak's resignation honors coming this week
New piece out on the govt's final battle with Premier League bosses over the independent football regulator.
One football executive said: “Starmer is really saying the only sector that is not subject to such a deregulation initiative is football. Why?”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
One football executive said: “Starmer is really saying the only sector that is not subject to such a deregulation initiative is football. Why?”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Why football-mad Keir Starmer has Premier League bosses raging
Topflight football clubs have been aggressively lobbying to get a new regulator watered down — as ministers insist it will be “light touch.”
www.politico.eu
April 8, 2025 at 7:49 AM
New piece out on the govt's final battle with Premier League bosses over the independent football regulator.
One football executive said: “Starmer is really saying the only sector that is not subject to such a deregulation initiative is football. Why?”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
One football executive said: “Starmer is really saying the only sector that is not subject to such a deregulation initiative is football. Why?”
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
EXCL The government is drawing up contingency plans to rescue Thames Water, which is at risk of crashing into administration later this month.
The debt-laden water firm could run out of money on March 24 thanks to a legal dispute.
More in Londno Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
The debt-laden water firm could run out of money on March 24 thanks to a legal dispute.
More in Londno Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Seeking Trump’s intelligence
Presented by Ørsted By SAM BLEWETT with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser Good Thursday morning. This is Sam Blewett. DRI…
www.politico.eu
March 6, 2025 at 9:19 AM
EXCL The government is drawing up contingency plans to rescue Thames Water, which is at risk of crashing into administration later this month.
The debt-laden water firm could run out of money on March 24 thanks to a legal dispute.
More in Londno Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
The debt-laden water firm could run out of money on March 24 thanks to a legal dispute.
More in Londno Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
And it will be funded by slashing the overseas aid budget.
Down from 0.5 to 0.3 percent of GNI.
Down from 0.5 to 0.3 percent of GNI.
NEW Keir Starmer announces the UK will spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence (up from 2.32 percent) by 2027.
A full three years earlier than promised by the last Tory government.
A full three years earlier than promised by the last Tory government.
February 25, 2025 at 12:46 PM
And it will be funded by slashing the overseas aid budget.
Down from 0.5 to 0.3 percent of GNI.
Down from 0.5 to 0.3 percent of GNI.
NEW Keir Starmer announces the UK will spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence (up from 2.32 percent) by 2027.
A full three years earlier than promised by the last Tory government.
A full three years earlier than promised by the last Tory government.
February 25, 2025 at 12:43 PM
NEW Keir Starmer announces the UK will spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence (up from 2.32 percent) by 2027.
A full three years earlier than promised by the last Tory government.
A full three years earlier than promised by the last Tory government.
EXCL Keir Starmer has told his cabinet Labour must stop looking down on working class voters and their immigration concerns.
In a letter to the cabinet, the PM wrote “good faith paternalism has too readily become looking down at people.”
More in London Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
In a letter to the cabinet, the PM wrote “good faith paternalism has too readily become looking down at people.”
More in London Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Starmer’s warm-up act
Presented by Google By ANDREW MCDONALD with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser Good Friday morning. This is Andrew McDonal…
www.politico.eu
February 21, 2025 at 10:03 AM
EXCL Keir Starmer has told his cabinet Labour must stop looking down on working class voters and their immigration concerns.
In a letter to the cabinet, the PM wrote “good faith paternalism has too readily become looking down at people.”
More in London Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
In a letter to the cabinet, the PM wrote “good faith paternalism has too readily become looking down at people.”
More in London Playbook
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
🎄For some festive morning reading, Playbook has asked Westminster's biggest names about their favourite Christmas cooking tip.
Find out which ex-PM thinks you shouldn't parboil potatoes and which pollster is making a separate turkey for their dog.🎄
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Find out which ex-PM thinks you shouldn't parboil potatoes and which pollster is making a separate turkey for their dog.🎄
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Westminster’s guide to the perfect Christmas lunch
Presented by Goldman Sachs By STEFAN BOSCIA PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser Good Christmas morning. This is Stefan Boscia. DRIVING THE…
www.politico.eu
December 25, 2024 at 10:11 AM
🎄For some festive morning reading, Playbook has asked Westminster's biggest names about their favourite Christmas cooking tip.
Find out which ex-PM thinks you shouldn't parboil potatoes and which pollster is making a separate turkey for their dog.🎄
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Find out which ex-PM thinks you shouldn't parboil potatoes and which pollster is making a separate turkey for their dog.🎄
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
New piece on Starmer reset w/@estwebber.bsky.social
- Two New Labour Cabinet ministers say attacks on civil service a mistake
- A Labour MP says PM has no vision and another calls him "painfully slow"
- Backlash from civil servants as one calls No. 10 "chaotic"
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
- Two New Labour Cabinet ministers say attacks on civil service a mistake
- A Labour MP says PM has no vision and another calls him "painfully slow"
- Backlash from civil servants as one calls No. 10 "chaotic"
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Starmer’s bungled reset is fitting way to end 2024
Five months after winning a landslide victory in the U.K. general election, the PM is struggling to find his voice.
www.politico.eu
December 19, 2024 at 9:12 AM
New piece on Starmer reset w/@estwebber.bsky.social
- Two New Labour Cabinet ministers say attacks on civil service a mistake
- A Labour MP says PM has no vision and another calls him "painfully slow"
- Backlash from civil servants as one calls No. 10 "chaotic"
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
- Two New Labour Cabinet ministers say attacks on civil service a mistake
- A Labour MP says PM has no vision and another calls him "painfully slow"
- Backlash from civil servants as one calls No. 10 "chaotic"
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
EXCL In this morning's Playbook.
Number 10 is not interested in reaching out to Elon Musk to improve the very fractured relations between the UK government and Donald Trump's close confidante.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Number 10 is not interested in reaching out to Elon Musk to improve the very fractured relations between the UK government and Donald Trump's close confidante.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Starmer’s last dance of 2024
Presented by Goldman Sachs By STEFAN BOSCIA with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser BREAKING: In the last few minutes the …
www.politico.eu
December 18, 2024 at 4:32 PM
EXCL In this morning's Playbook.
Number 10 is not interested in reaching out to Elon Musk to improve the very fractured relations between the UK government and Donald Trump's close confidante.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Number 10 is not interested in reaching out to Elon Musk to improve the very fractured relations between the UK government and Donald Trump's close confidante.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
NEW There are fears about the AUKUS sub programme in Trump’s second term via @politico.eu
- Defence industry sources worry Trump may delay due to crunch on US sub manufacturing
- Ex-Trump aide warns US needs to be more “American-centric”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
- Defence industry sources worry Trump may delay due to crunch on US sub manufacturing
- Ex-Trump aide warns US needs to be more “American-centric”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Will Donald Trump kill US-UK-Aussie sub defense deal?
The landmark defense agreement between the U.S, U.K. and Australia could be in jeopardy with the maverick Republican back in the White House.
www.politico.eu
December 9, 2024 at 12:58 PM
NEW There are fears about the AUKUS sub programme in Trump’s second term via @politico.eu
- Defence industry sources worry Trump may delay due to crunch on US sub manufacturing
- Ex-Trump aide warns US needs to be more “American-centric”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
- Defence industry sources worry Trump may delay due to crunch on US sub manufacturing
- Ex-Trump aide warns US needs to be more “American-centric”
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
EXCLUSIVE The UK's announcement of when it will spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence has been pushed back as senior officials push Rachel Reeves to agree to a 2027 target.
Read all about it in this morning's Playbook below.
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Read all about it in this morning's Playbook below.
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Pardon the interruption
Presented by Lloyds Banking Group By STEFAN BOSCIA with BETHANY DAWSON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Subscribe for free | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Presid…
www.politico.eu
December 2, 2024 at 9:19 AM
EXCLUSIVE The UK's announcement of when it will spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence has been pushed back as senior officials push Rachel Reeves to agree to a 2027 target.
Read all about it in this morning's Playbook below.
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Read all about it in this morning's Playbook below.
www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
EXCL UK could hit back at Trump with tariffs on Harley Davidson/Jack Daniel’s/Levi’s
UK has been wargaming how to respond to potential Donald Trump tariffs on UK goods, with officials briefing ministers they can immediately repurpose ex EU measures against the US
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
UK has been wargaming how to respond to potential Donald Trump tariffs on UK goods, with officials briefing ministers they can immediately repurpose ex EU measures against the US
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
UK could strike back at Trump with taxes on Harleys and Jack Daniel’s
Britain prefers a deal over a trade war — but is sharpening its tools just in case.
www.politico.eu
November 26, 2024 at 10:27 AM
EXCL UK could hit back at Trump with tariffs on Harley Davidson/Jack Daniel’s/Levi’s
UK has been wargaming how to respond to potential Donald Trump tariffs on UK goods, with officials briefing ministers they can immediately repurpose ex EU measures against the US
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
UK has been wargaming how to respond to potential Donald Trump tariffs on UK goods, with officials briefing ministers they can immediately repurpose ex EU measures against the US
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
NEW Peter Mandelson, favourite to be Starmer's ambassador to the US, says UK government should end its feud with
Elon Musk.
.
He said on his Times Radio podcast: "You've got to get over it. You've got to, he's got to be reintroduced to the British government."
Elon Musk.
.
He said on his Times Radio podcast: "You've got to get over it. You've got to, he's got to be reintroduced to the British government."
November 19, 2024 at 3:31 PM
NEW Peter Mandelson, favourite to be Starmer's ambassador to the US, says UK government should end its feud with
Elon Musk.
.
He said on his Times Radio podcast: "You've got to get over it. You've got to, he's got to be reintroduced to the British government."
Elon Musk.
.
He said on his Times Radio podcast: "You've got to get over it. You've got to, he's got to be reintroduced to the British government."
One of several MAGA men spotted at today’s Westminster farmers protest
November 19, 2024 at 2:15 PM
One of several MAGA men spotted at today’s Westminster farmers protest
Dispatch from the Xi-Starmer meeting in Rio from Sam Blewett @politico.eu
Xi gave a win to Starmer by repeating Labour's slogan that the UK govt is "fixing the foundations".
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Xi gave a win to Starmer by repeating Labour's slogan that the UK govt is "fixing the foundations".
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Chinese officials bundle British journalists out of Starmer-Xi meeting
Move came as UK prime minister — who is pitching a visit to Beijing — raised the case of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai.
www.politico.eu
November 18, 2024 at 4:49 PM
Dispatch from the Xi-Starmer meeting in Rio from Sam Blewett @politico.eu
Xi gave a win to Starmer by repeating Labour's slogan that the UK govt is "fixing the foundations".
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Xi gave a win to Starmer by repeating Labour's slogan that the UK govt is "fixing the foundations".
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Being on Blueky is like being in that episode of the Simpsons where they all go to Shelbyville.
a cartoon character from the simpsons is behind bars holding a cup of coffee .
ALT: a cartoon character from the simpsons is behind bars holding a cup of coffee .
media.tenor.com
November 14, 2024 at 5:31 PM
Being on Blueky is like being in that episode of the Simpsons where they all go to Shelbyville.