The Lead
@theleaduk.bsky.social
The Lead is a lean, mean mag on politics, culture and everything in between.
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The Lead
@theleaduk.bsky.social
· Oct 21
The Lead is campaigning to end child poverty. We cannot allow our most vulnerable members of society to be treated with such disdain – the government must take decisive action, now.
Over the coming months you can expect more nuanced journalism that gets to the heart of the crisis.
Over the coming months you can expect more nuanced journalism that gets to the heart of the crisis.
Council funding is being reallocated to make sure deprived areas receive the cash they need, but the new three-year deal for local government has received a mixed response. For this week's The Lead Untangles, we dug into the local government financial settlement
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
The Lead Untangles: Has the government kept its promise of a radical overhaul to council funding?
Council funding is being reallocated to make sure deprived areas receive the cash they need, but the new three-year deal for local government has received a mixed response
national.thelead.uk
December 19, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Council funding is being reallocated to make sure deprived areas receive the cash they need, but the new three-year deal for local government has received a mixed response. For this week's The Lead Untangles, we dug into the local government financial settlement
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
Reposted by The Lead
I’m not working today but if I were I’d be giving the govt kudos for this. Well overdue step forward for tackling misogyny and sexual coercion in schools and beyond. Can’t tell you how much I wish we had it when I was younger!
apple.news/AYyMuE5bvSfi...
apple.news/AYyMuE5bvSfi...
Boys to learn difference between porn and real life to tackle misogyny in England’s schools — The Guardian
Teachers to be given extra training as Keir Starmer warns ‘toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged’
apple.news
December 18, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I’m not working today but if I were I’d be giving the govt kudos for this. Well overdue step forward for tackling misogyny and sexual coercion in schools and beyond. Can’t tell you how much I wish we had it when I was younger!
apple.news/AYyMuE5bvSfi...
apple.news/AYyMuE5bvSfi...
Our latest editions of The Lead North dropped into thousands of inboxes this morning, let's start in Lancashire where the Reform-led administration's plans to shutter care homes has been back in the headlines
Decision on future of at-risk care facilities in Lancashire delayed indefinitely
The latest twist in the plans that still could see care homes in Lancashire close
lancashire.thelead.uk
December 17, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Our latest editions of The Lead North dropped into thousands of inboxes this morning, let's start in Lancashire where the Reform-led administration's plans to shutter care homes has been back in the headlines
As we start winding down to the end of the year, we’re taking the opportunity to look back over everything we have covered in 2025. Here's a list of some of our favourite stories we've published this year ⬇️
December 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
As we start winding down to the end of the year, we’re taking the opportunity to look back over everything we have covered in 2025. Here's a list of some of our favourite stories we've published this year ⬇️
Good morning and happy Sunday! Our latest editions of The Lead North are out, we start with Reform UK’s progress, Labour’s troubles, any Conservative resurgence and the growing popularity of the Greens will all be put to the test at a by-election in Blackpool this week.
Greenlands by-election preview: A test for both Reform UK and Labour
PLUS: The latest on former MP for Blackpool South Scott Benton
blackpool.thelead.uk
December 14, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Good morning and happy Sunday! Our latest editions of The Lead North are out, we start with Reform UK’s progress, Labour’s troubles, any Conservative resurgence and the growing popularity of the Greens will all be put to the test at a by-election in Blackpool this week.
New data reveals councils are barely taking over empty homes anymore, amid calls for a new national programme to bring unused properties back into use. @mattyedwards23.bsky.social reports.
We are deep in a housing crisis – why are so many properties still empty?
New data reveals councils are barely taking over empty homes anymore, amid calls for a new national programme to bring unused properties back into use.
national.thelead.uk
December 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM
New data reveals councils are barely taking over empty homes anymore, amid calls for a new national programme to bring unused properties back into use. @mattyedwards23.bsky.social reports.
Last week, the government finally unveiled its child poverty strategy to very little fanfare. After years without a child poverty strategy, will this go far enough?
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
The Lead Untangles: Does the new Child Poverty Strategy go far enough?
Many of the new policies are welcome – but critics say the plans lack ambition.
national.thelead.uk
December 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Last week, the government finally unveiled its child poverty strategy to very little fanfare. After years without a child poverty strategy, will this go far enough?
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
Have a look at what The Lead team has been consuming this week national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-d...
The Lead Digest: Clair Obscur, Steve Rotheram and the radicalisation of middle-aged men
Our round-up from The Lead’s team – everything we’ve been reading, listening to, scrolling and watching each week.
national.thelead.uk
December 11, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Have a look at what The Lead team has been consuming this week national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-d...
This week we welcome back Leigh Jones, of Teesside Lead fame, who drops his insight on the news that BP have withdrawn their application for their H2Teesside project.
We've also got dirty water in Blackpool and elections in Lancashire in Notes from the North
national.thelead.uk/p/notes-from...
We've also got dirty water in Blackpool and elections in Lancashire in Notes from the North
national.thelead.uk/p/notes-from...
Notes from the North: BP drops Teesside hydrogen plans, soaring bills and swimming in poo in Blackpool
Latest on our exclusive, agenda-setting and award-winning journalism in the North of England.
national.thelead.uk
December 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
This week we welcome back Leigh Jones, of Teesside Lead fame, who drops his insight on the news that BP have withdrawn their application for their H2Teesside project.
We've also got dirty water in Blackpool and elections in Lancashire in Notes from the North
national.thelead.uk/p/notes-from...
We've also got dirty water in Blackpool and elections in Lancashire in Notes from the North
national.thelead.uk/p/notes-from...
Social media-fuelled expulsions plague Reform. It's no wonder the new London candidates have been warned not to 'drink and tweet'.
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
Reform Watch: The 'don't drink and tweet' special
Each week we cast over eyes over what Reform have been up to – from bizarre proclamations to the detail of how their attempts to run councils are going.
national.thelead.uk
December 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Social media-fuelled expulsions plague Reform. It's no wonder the new London candidates have been warned not to 'drink and tweet'.
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
national.thelead.uk/p/reform-wat...
Reposted by The Lead
Some thoughts on the Australian social media ban... a significant, symbolic step. A government that is trying to put the well-being and interests of its young people ahead of vested interests.
British politicians should take note
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
British politicians should take note
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
Australia is putting young people first. Britain should try it
The first national ban on teen social-media accounts is controversial, imperfect, and a reminder of what real political will on behalf of young people actually looks like.
open.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Some thoughts on the Australian social media ban... a significant, symbolic step. A government that is trying to put the well-being and interests of its young people ahead of vested interests.
British politicians should take note
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
British politicians should take note
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/theleadu...
Good morning and happy Wednesday - our latest editions of The Lead North are out and in thousands of inboxes. Starting in Lancashire were it looks as though local elections will go ahead in May next year despite calls to delay them
Local elections set to take place in 2026 despite plans to abolish councils two years later
Elections look set to go ahead in 2026, much to the joy of people who might do well and angst of those who might not do well
lancashire.thelead.uk
December 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Good morning and happy Wednesday - our latest editions of The Lead North are out and in thousands of inboxes. Starting in Lancashire were it looks as though local elections will go ahead in May next year despite calls to delay them
After a well-earned break, The Teesside Lead is back, with a story on a new AI data centre which will will “put our region at the heart of the next industrial revolution."
@leighsus.bsky.social
teesside.thelead.uk/p/ai-data-ce...
@leighsus.bsky.social
teesside.thelead.uk/p/ai-data-ce...
AI Data Centre wins battle for Teesworks land: How and why?
BP drop plans for enormous Teesside hydrogen project
teesside.thelead.uk
December 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
After a well-earned break, The Teesside Lead is back, with a story on a new AI data centre which will will “put our region at the heart of the next industrial revolution."
@leighsus.bsky.social
teesside.thelead.uk/p/ai-data-ce...
@leighsus.bsky.social
teesside.thelead.uk/p/ai-data-ce...
Tomorrow, the first ever social media ban for under-16s will come into force in Australia. Treating young people as stakeholders can yield bold, brave policy. Imagine if Britain dared to do the same.
national.thelead.uk/p/australia-...
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/australia-...
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social
Australia is putting young people first. Britain should try it
The first national ban on teen social-media accounts is controversial, imperfect, and a reminder of what real political will on behalf of young people actually looks like.
national.thelead.uk
December 9, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Tomorrow, the first ever social media ban for under-16s will come into force in Australia. Treating young people as stakeholders can yield bold, brave policy. Imagine if Britain dared to do the same.
national.thelead.uk/p/australia-...
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/australia-...
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social
Good morning and it's Sunday, so our latest editions of The Lead North have landed in thousands of inboxes. We start with the newly refreshed @leighsus.bsky.social in Teesside, and he's digging into what happened with BP's hydrogen plant plans
AI Data Centre wins battle for Teesworks land: How and why?
BP drop plans for enormous Teesside hydrogen project
teesside.thelead.uk
December 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Good morning and it's Sunday, so our latest editions of The Lead North have landed in thousands of inboxes. We start with the newly refreshed @leighsus.bsky.social in Teesside, and he's digging into what happened with BP's hydrogen plant plans
Important news if you're in Teesside, our Leigh Jones is back in the game after a break.
Get yourself signed up for the latest edition of The Teesside Lead which returns on Sunday morning. It may or may not (ok, it will) feature some Teesworks news. @leighsus.bsky.social
Get yourself signed up for the latest edition of The Teesside Lead which returns on Sunday morning. It may or may not (ok, it will) feature some Teesworks news. @leighsus.bsky.social
December 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Important news if you're in Teesside, our Leigh Jones is back in the game after a break.
Get yourself signed up for the latest edition of The Teesside Lead which returns on Sunday morning. It may or may not (ok, it will) feature some Teesworks news. @leighsus.bsky.social
Get yourself signed up for the latest edition of The Teesside Lead which returns on Sunday morning. It may or may not (ok, it will) feature some Teesworks news. @leighsus.bsky.social
Reposted by The Lead
Here's a photo I took last week on a disposable camera of the fisherman's huts on the South Gare.
Now I have your attention, my extended break from The Teesside Lead is over.
A new edition in people's inboxes first thing tomorrow after a huge week for Teesside.
🔗 theteessidelead.substack.com
Now I have your attention, my extended break from The Teesside Lead is over.
A new edition in people's inboxes first thing tomorrow after a huge week for Teesside.
🔗 theteessidelead.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Here's a photo I took last week on a disposable camera of the fisherman's huts on the South Gare.
Now I have your attention, my extended break from The Teesside Lead is over.
A new edition in people's inboxes first thing tomorrow after a huge week for Teesside.
🔗 theteessidelead.substack.com
Now I have your attention, my extended break from The Teesside Lead is over.
A new edition in people's inboxes first thing tomorrow after a huge week for Teesside.
🔗 theteessidelead.substack.com
Reposted by The Lead
Pleased to have been able to add some northern perspectives to The Lead's comprehensive coverage of child poverty. Ultimately, children are poor because adults are poor, and lifting the two-child cap is necessary but not sufficient to end it.
The announcement of the much-delayed child poverty strategy is welcome but four million children will still remain in poverty when it ends in 2029
A special edition of The Lead this afternoon from @nmozz.bsky.social
A special edition of The Lead this afternoon from @nmozz.bsky.social
Labour has opened the door to ending child poverty, now they must walk through it
The announcement of the much-delayed child poverty strategy is welcome but four million children will still remain in poverty when it ends in 2029
national.thelead.uk
December 5, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Pleased to have been able to add some northern perspectives to The Lead's comprehensive coverage of child poverty. Ultimately, children are poor because adults are poor, and lifting the two-child cap is necessary but not sufficient to end it.
Lowlah was kicked out of a London hospital in the middle of the night after asking for pain relief. Her story reveals a pattern of "racism and stigmatisation".
Powerful reporting from @nmozz.bsky.social on this shocking story.
Powerful reporting from @nmozz.bsky.social on this shocking story.
“Playing Russian roulette with my life”: What really happens to sickle cell patients in hospital
Lowlah was kicked out of a London hospital in the middle of the night after asking for pain relief. Her story reveals a pattern of "racism and stigmatisation".
national.thelead.uk
December 6, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Lowlah was kicked out of a London hospital in the middle of the night after asking for pain relief. Her story reveals a pattern of "racism and stigmatisation".
Powerful reporting from @nmozz.bsky.social on this shocking story.
Powerful reporting from @nmozz.bsky.social on this shocking story.
The announcement of the much-delayed child poverty strategy is welcome but four million children will still remain in poverty when it ends in 2029
A special edition of The Lead this afternoon from @nmozz.bsky.social
A special edition of The Lead this afternoon from @nmozz.bsky.social
Labour has opened the door to ending child poverty, now they must walk through it
The announcement of the much-delayed child poverty strategy is welcome but four million children will still remain in poverty when it ends in 2029
national.thelead.uk
December 5, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The announcement of the much-delayed child poverty strategy is welcome but four million children will still remain in poverty when it ends in 2029
A special edition of The Lead this afternoon from @nmozz.bsky.social
A special edition of The Lead this afternoon from @nmozz.bsky.social
Angela Rayner – the architect of the Employment Rights Bill – brokered a compromise that will speed up the implementation of protections against unfair dismissal for employees. It’s a welcome move for workers.
December 5, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Angela Rayner – the architect of the Employment Rights Bill – brokered a compromise that will speed up the implementation of protections against unfair dismissal for employees. It’s a welcome move for workers.
Corbyn and Sultana's new party is likely to benefit from factors for which it can claim no credit.
New from David Renton on The Lead as he considers what next for Your Party
New from David Renton on The Lead as he considers what next for Your Party
Did Your Party's conference do enough to turn the tide of its disastrous beginnings?
Corbyn and Sultana's new party is likely to benefit from factors for which it can claim no credit.
national.thelead.uk
December 4, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Corbyn and Sultana's new party is likely to benefit from factors for which it can claim no credit.
New from David Renton on The Lead as he considers what next for Your Party
New from David Renton on The Lead as he considers what next for Your Party
It's Wednesday and our latest editions of The Lead North are out, starting in Lancashire where the political jostling for a major venue for the county is well underway
Battle to have Lancashire's arena as politicians jostle to leave mark on areas
Who will leave a political legacy that people can enjoy for years to come?
lancashire.thelead.uk
December 3, 2025 at 10:54 AM
It's Wednesday and our latest editions of The Lead North are out, starting in Lancashire where the political jostling for a major venue for the county is well underway
In the UK, the vast majority of us think we are a lot poorer than we are. That failure of reckoning is a function of three things: our social atomisation, our unbalanced media and our broken politics ✍️ @hannahfearn.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/rachel-ree...
national.thelead.uk/p/rachel-ree...
What it means to be wealthy in 2025
Most of us think we're poorer than we are – this disconnect creates worse social outcomes for us all
national.thelead.uk
December 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
In the UK, the vast majority of us think we are a lot poorer than we are. That failure of reckoning is a function of three things: our social atomisation, our unbalanced media and our broken politics ✍️ @hannahfearn.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/rachel-ree...
national.thelead.uk/p/rachel-ree...
Juries uphold something rare, ancient and profound: the idea that the state cannot take away your liberty without first convincing a group of ordinary citizens that it is right to do so. Weakening them is a threat to British values ✍️ @zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/a-weakened...
national.thelead.uk/p/a-weakened...
A weakened jury system is a gift to the far right
At a time when trust in institutions is collapsing, juries remain one of the few places where civic duty still lives.
national.thelead.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Juries uphold something rare, ancient and profound: the idea that the state cannot take away your liberty without first convincing a group of ordinary citizens that it is right to do so. Weakening them is a threat to British values ✍️ @zoegrunewald.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk/p/a-weakened...
national.thelead.uk/p/a-weakened...