Big changes are taking place in the Downing Street Policy Unit right now. Which phase is that now…
Recent additions include Leo Rees on the DSIT brief, a data wonk who for three years worked under the auspices of Will Tanner at Tory-affiliated think tank Onward, only departing in 2022. Labourites can make up their own minds as to how that is going to go…
Staff who made up the LOTO policy unit responsible for writing the Labour manifesto – most of whom remaining are now women – are on the way out. Replacements are ongoing currently…
The policy unit greases the wheels between No10 and ministers. Received wisdom is that you need SpAds in there who understand the political dynamics, have clout, and can operate decisively…
Government sources say there is no intention currently to replace Steph Driver, who departed as Starmer’s director of day-to-day communications last month. Instead the communications team will be bolstered by a new more junior media SpAd who will work the majority of the time under Press Secretary Sophie Nazemi.
The shake-up comes in a period of low morale in Downing Street and wider government. Exits continue, of the voluntary and involuntary varieties…
UPDATE: Some changes now being briefed out:
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”