Top 50 political influencers

The Top 50 Political Influencers in the UK

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With 29 March and the Brexit deadline fast approaching, there’s never been a more exciting time to cover politics – but with the media in rapid flux, who really sets the agenda?

Vuelio has curated the Top 50 Political Influencers working in the media, download the full list here.

When it comes to politics, the digital media environment continues to develop in novel, sometimes unanticipated, ways – with some serious consequences. New media have radically altered the ways in which Government institutions operate, political leaders communicate, and campaigns are fought.

While every major vote since Obama’s first presidential victory in 2008 has been heralded as some kind of ‘social media’ event, in the UK the 2016 referendum and 2017 General Election broke new ground with alternative political voices not only loudly opposing mainstream views, but also seeming to wield genuine influence over the electoral outcomes. The work of unashamedly partisan individuals or small collectives, at least part of the appeal of this new commentariat was their distance from the Westminster bubble.

Although new media has complicated the political media system, it has by no means dismantled it. Legacy media – radio and television news programmes, even newspapers – coexist with Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Indeed, content produced by the mainstream is fed upon by emerging influencers, increasing its reach and impact even as it is transformed under the weight of myriad digital judgements.

The Top 50 Political Influencers reflects this evolving media, including broadcasters and print journalists in addition to bloggers and other digital influencers. Those on the list include the most politically informed, those with the best contacts and membership of the right WhatsApp groups for the inside track on breaking news and the latest leaks, and those able to lead conversations across a range of social media platforms.

In these many different ways, each of the 50 has the power to shape politics in the UK – and together, they do.

 

Vuelio is renowned for its media rankings, with the top blog rankings, across all topics and industries, famous the world over. With in-house research teams covering both the media and political landscapes, as well as content and data feeds being analysed by proprietary algorithms, we are uniquely placed to curate this list of political influencers from the world of media.

The ranking takes into consideration a huge range of factors, including audience, engagement, industry recognition and platforms, alongside a research-led qualitative assessment. The list includes a small number of politicians where they are deemed to also have a significant media role relating to politics.

Brexit chess

Political Headlines – MPs plot to ‘seize control’ in Brexit latest

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Today’s political headlines include MPs plotting to ‘seize control’ of Brexit, May’s claim that no Brexit is more likely than no-deal, the cost of air pollution and the EU is preparing to delay Brexit. 

MPs plot ‘to seize control of Brexit’
The Daily Mail leads with details of what it calls a ‘plot by rebel MPs to seize control of Brexit’. Should May’s deal be defeated tomorrow, a bill drafted by Nick Boles, Sir Oliver Letwin and Nicky Morgan would empower the Commons Liaison Committee (dominated by remainers) to draw up a proposal backed by MPs, which the Prime Minister would have to negotiate with the EU, unless she can come up with an alternative within 21 days.

May to claim no Brexit is more likely than no-deal
The BBC reports that Theresa May is to use a speech today to try to persuade MPs to back her Brexit deal in tomorrow’s vote. She will claim that no Brexit is more likely than a no-deal Brexit and warn of ‘catastrophic harm’ to the ‘democratic process’ if Brexit does not go ahead.

New strategy shows cost of air pollution
The Times says the Government’s Air Pollution Strategy, which will be published today, will show that it is costing hundreds of millions of pounds more in damaged health than had previously been admitted. However, almost all of its measures have already been announced and action on many big sources of pollution has been deferred.

EU prepares to delay Brexit
The Guardian claims that the EU is preparing to delay Brexit until July at least, as it prepares for Theresa May’s Brexit deal to be rejected by Parliament. The bloc is expecting an extension request in ‘the coming weeks’ and will then call a special summit to agree a ‘technical’ extension.

Labour suggests creation of ‘regulator of regulators’
According to the Financial Times, a report commissioned by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell calls for the creation of a ‘pyramid structure’ of watchdogs, overseen by an overall ‘business commission’, with measures to ensure that regulators aren’t too close to the industries they regulate.

30,000 offenders would have been spared jail under Government plans
The Sun reports that 30,000 offenders would have been spared jail under plans to axe prison sentences of under six months which the Prison Minister, Rory Stewart, is considering. Stewart said that these sentences are ‘long enough to damage you and not long enough to heal you’, and abolishing them would ‘relieve a lot of pressure on prisons’.

HS2 considers reducing capacity to tackle costs
The Times says that HS2 is considering whether to reduce capacity by nearly a fifth to try to tackle ‘spiralling’ costs. The paper says that if the decision is made, this ‘is likely to renew questions over the value of the project’.

Concern over uncompetitive contracts
Research by the Financial Times shows that over the last three years, Government outsourcing has become ‘markedly less competitive’, with 23% of contracts being awarded without a tender in 2018, raising concerns about value-for-money and corruption.

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Amber Rudd Nov 2018

Political Headlines – Benefit cut to be axed and Brexit latest

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Today’s political headlines include the benefit cut to be axed, May calling unions to gain support for her deal, Cabinet ministers accused of undermining May and Shinzo Abe says the ‘whole world’ is against a no-deal Brexit. 

Benefit cut to be axed
The Mirror reports that Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd is to cancel a benefit cut which would have affected 15,000 families, three weeks before it was meant to be implemented. Under the ‘two-child limit’, families are not be able to claim Universal Credit or Tax Credits for more than two children, but Rudd will say today that extending the policy to cover children born before it was announced would not be ‘right’.

May calls unions in attempt to gain support for deal
The Times reports that Theresa May rang union leaders yesterday in a bid to win support for her Brexit deal from Labour MPs. According to the paper, Unite has not denied a claim by 10 Downing Street that the call was ‘constructive’, but the GMB’s response was ‘less positive’. The paper adds that Business Secretary Greg Clark and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson made contradictory public statements about the impact of a no-deal Brexit on British businesses, with Clark saying it would be a ‘disaster’.

Cabinet ministers accused of undermining May
The Daily Mail has obtained a leaked email in which the Number 10 Director of Communications, Robbie Gibb, accuses leadership contenders Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd and Liz Truss of trying to undermine the Prime Minister, warning that ‘this situation cannot continue’. He accuses them of announcing their own initiatives last weekend when the media plan was being ‘starved out’ to ensure the ‘best coverage’ for the NHS plan.

Japanese Prime Minister said that ‘whole world’ is against a no-deal Brexit
The BBC reports that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said yesterday that it was ‘the whole wish of the whole world’ that a no-deal Brexit would be avoided. Theresa May added that Brexit provided  ‘an unprecedented opportunity’ to improve relations with Japan.

CBI calls for MPs to back May’s deal
In an exclusive, The Guardian reports that Carolyn Fairburn, the Director-General of the CBI, is to use a speech today to urge MPs to vote for the Brexit deal in order to avoid a ‘hugely damaging cliff edge’ and a shrink in GDP of up to 8% in a no-deal Brexit scenario. The paper adds that the Government has now signed two contracts to store drugs as part of its planning for a no-deal Brexit, but a third location has yet to be secured.

4,000 civil servants to be seconded to tackle no-deal Brexit
According to The Times, up to 4,000 civil servants are being seconded from their departments for six months to work on a no-deal Brexit. The Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education said that while ‘key services continue to operate’ other parts of his department would be mothballed. Defra and HMRC are to see a boost in their staff numbers.

Government criticised for failure to regulate lending
The Guardian says that the Government’s refusal to regulate lending to small businesses in its response to the Commons Treasury Committee’s has been criticised by the committee’s chair, Nicky Morgan. She called on the Financial Conduct Authority to be ‘given the powers to provide protection to SMEs now’.

Brexiteers blame EU for loss of Jaguar Land Rover jobs
The Daily Telegraph reports that Eurosceptic MPs are using the decision by Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,5000 jobs in the UK and move production of the Land Rover Discovery to Slovakia as a justification for Brexit. Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the EU ‘uses our money to move our jobs from the UK to other EU countries.’ While Slovakia is a net recipient of EU funding, the funding it gave the firm to open the factory did not come from the EU.

Brexit often dominates the headlines but domestic policy still affects you. Keep on top of everything with Vuelio Political Services.

Speaker

Political Headlines – Bercow under fire and Brexit latest

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Today’s political headlines include Bercow under fire for setting a ‘damaging precendent’, Corbyn to call for general election, Tory rebels open talks with Labour about alternative deal and May to back workers’ rights to woe Labour MPs. 

Bercow under fire from ministers for setting ‘damaging precedent’
The BBC reports that Commons Speaker John Bercow has been criticised by ministers for allowing an amendment to the Government’s business motion on the vote on the Withdrawal Agreement, which they claim broke with parliamentary precedent. The amendment, which was passed, forces the Government to come up with new plans within three days should May’s deal be defeated, rather than within three weeks. The Leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, claimed that Bercow had set ‘a very damaging precedent’.

Corbyn to call for general election again
According to The Guardian, Jeremy Corbyn will use a speech in Wakefield today to call for Theresa May to call a general election, which would ‘let the people decide’ on her Brexit deal and ‘break the deadlock’. Yesterday, two Labour frontbenchers confirmed that Labour would call for a vote of no confidence in May very soon after her deal is defeated next week.

Tory rebels open talks with Labour about alternative deal
The Times claims that Tory rebels have opened talks with Labour about an alternative to Theresa May’s deal. Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary confirmed to Ken Clarke that the party would enter cross-party discussions ‘in the right’ spirit once May’s deal is defeated, while he told Sir Oliver Letwin that there would need to be a ‘consensus’ in the Commons if no-deal was to be avoided.

May to back workers’ rights in attempt to secure Labour support for deal
The Mirror says that Theresa May is likely to attempt to gain Labour MPs’ support for her deal by backing an amendment put down by Labour backbenchers John Mann, Caroline Flint and Gareth Snell guaranteeing that existing EU workers’ and environmental rights would be protected after Brexit. The paper suggests that up to 20 Labour MPs could support the deal if the amendment is successful.

Eurotunnel complain about ferry contracts
According to the Financial Times, Eurotunnel is claiming that the Government’s decision to award contracts worth up to £103m to three ferry companies to provide additional capacity in the event of a no-deal Brexit is ‘distortionary and anti-competitive’, and a breach of ‘competition and state-aid law’. In a letter to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling the firm hinted that it could take legal action against the Government.

Senior MPs propose holding inquiry into abuse
The Guardian claims that Parliament ‘is moving towards’ holding a Speaker’s conference to examine the abuse and harassment of MPs after the idea was put forward by Ken Clarke and Harriet Harman. A cross-party group of MPs would examine the evidence and decide the best way of balancing the right to protest and allowing MPs to work freely.

Forced marriage victims will no longer have to pay for their rescue
The Times reports that, following an earlier investigation by the paper, the Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has announced that women rescued from forced marriages abroad by the Foreign Office will no longer be charged for the cost of their rescue. The department will now seek court orders to force their parents to pay instead.

Japanese carmakers urge Shinzo Abe to make no-deal Brexit impact clear to May
The Financial Times says Japanese car manufacturers with factories in the UK have been urging the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, to make the impact of a no-deal Brexit clear to Theresa May when they meet today. The Sun adds that the lifting of a 23-year trade ban on exports of British beef and lamb to Japan is to be announced.

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Scarlett Johansson

Political Headlines – Gove says perfect Brexit is as likely as a date with Scarlet Johansson

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Today’s political headlines include Gove’s perfect Brexit as likely as a date with Scarlet Johansson, the guerrilla war against a no-deal Brexit, Government to publish Northern Ireland Assembly Brexit plans and the Government accepts the ferry firm won’t be ready in time. 

Gove says that a perfect Brexit is as likely as a date with Scarlet Johansson
The Times reports that Michael Gove told yesterday’s cabinet meeting that Brexiteers who want a perfect day are like ‘mid-fifties swingers waiting for Scarlett Johansson to turn up’. The Prime Minister also used the meeting to dismiss a second referendum, which Tory activists oppose, while Home Secretary Sajid Javid said that a no-deal Brexit would end the Dublin Agreement and hence the UK’s ability to ‘send people back’, although he later argued in favour of a no-deal Brexit.

‘Guerrilla war’ against no-deal Brexit begins with Government defeat
The Daily Telegraph says that a ‘guerrilla war’ to prevent a no-deal Brexit has begun, after Labour, joined by 20 Tory rebels, successfully voted in favour of an amendment preventing the Government from changing some taxes in a no-deal scenario without Parliament’s permission. The paper adds that May hinted yesterday that if her Brexit deal was voted down by Parliament she might hold a second vote on it.

Government to publish Northern Ireland Assembly Brexit plans
The BBC reports that the Government will today publish plans which will give the Northern Irish Assembly the power to vote on new EU rules should the backstop come into force after Brexit. The DUP has claimed that the proposals will be ‘meaningless’, while Sinn Féin says that it would oppose anything which gave the DUP a veto.

Government accepts ferry firm won’t be ready in time
The Financial Times reveals the Government has accepted that Seaborne Freight will not be able to provide ferry services in the case of no-deal Brexit until late April. Labour MP Richard Burden has also suggested that investor briefings produced by the company may have been ‘inaccurate’ by claiming that agreements had been reached with ports when they hadn’t.

Labour MP calls for it to be easier to challenge rogue bailiffs
The Guardian says Labour MP Emma Reynolds is calling on the Government to make it easier for people to challenge rogue bailiffs, and will lead a parliamentary debate on the issue. A new report by Citizens Advice finds that only a small proportion of people experiencing poor behaviour by bailiffs formally report it owing to the complexity of doing so.

Law firm founder denies dishonesty accusation
The Daily Mail reports that Martyn Day, who co-founded the legal firm Leigh Day which the paper says has been ‘accused of hounding British troops’, was asked how he slept at night by Tory MP Mark Francois when he appeared before the Commons Defence Committee yesterday. He denied Johnny Mercer’s claim that he was ‘dishonest’ and challenged him to repeat the statement outside Parliament, where he could be sued.

Extra freight trains may run if there’s a no-deal Brexit
In an exclusive, The Sun reports that the Government is in talks with two rail freight firms over running extra trains during the night to ensure continued supply of food and freight in the event of a no-deal Brexit. It has also written to rail firm Southeastern, warning that extra freight during the day may disrupt commuter services.

Bars to be removed from prison cells
The Daily Telegraph says that bars are to be removed from the windows of prison cells after a study funded by the Government warned that they were ‘punitive’ and ‘institutional’, claiming that ‘normalising’ prisoners’ environment would increase the likelihood of inmates being successfully rehabilitated.

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Brexit

Political Headlines – UK officials sound out EU about extending Article 50

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Today’s political headlines include UK officials attempting to extend Article 50, Skype appointments with your doctor, new social homes needed and the Brexit latest. 

UK officials sound out EU about extending Article 50
According to The Daily Telegraph, UK officials have been sounding out their EU counterparts about the possibility of extending Article 50, although one source described this as just officials ‘doing their homework’.  Digital Minister Margot James yesterday admitted that Article 50 might needed to be extended if Theresa May lost the vote on her Brexit deal, although 10 Downing Street denied this.

More patients to have Skype appointments, while NHS targets will be relaxed
The Times reports on yesterday’s NHS long-term plan, highlighting the news that 30m hospital visits a year will be avoided by using Skype, smartphones and other forms of technology, reducing face-to-face consultations by a third. However, The Guardian claims that the NHS leadership is ‘preparing to risk a backlash’ by relaxing waiting time targets, such as dealing with patients in A&E within four hours, following a clinical review that is due to report in the spring.

Cross-party call for 3m new social homes by 2040
The Guardian carries details of a new report by a cross-party on social housing commissioned by the charity Shelter. It claims that over 3m new social homes are needed by 2040, at a cost of up to £225bn. However, economic modelling suggests that this investment would be repaid within 40 years. Ed Miliband, one of the commissioners, said that the Government needed to ‘act now’, while Baroness Warsi described the report as ‘a vital opportunity’.

Cabinet ministers to urge May to ‘play hardball’ with EU
The Times claims that cabinet ministers will today urge Theresa May to ‘play hardball’ with the EU and give MPs a chance to vote on the deal with conditions attached, including Parliament having to approve entering the backstop. However, the paper adds that ‘Downing Street figures’ are sceptical that this would change the EU’s position on the deal.

MPs seek to curb UK powers in no-deal Brexit scenario
The BBC reports that MPs who want to block the UK from leaving the EU without a deal are putting forward an amendment to the Finance Bill later today, which will limit the Government’s financial powers in a no-deal Brexit scenario. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox claimed that the amendment was ‘irresponsible’, but business minister Richard Harrington said that he was prepared to resign to stop a no-deal Brexit.

Grayling seeks legal changes to tackle drones
The Daily Telegraph says that Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is seeking to change the law to give police and airports powers to tackle drones, allowing officers to rapidly respond to drone attacks. He also plans to expand no-fly zones around prisons and airports, following the recent shutdown of Gatwick Airport following sightings of a drone.

MPs raise concerns about abuse outside Parliament
The BBC reports that over 50 MPs have written to Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, to raise ‘serious concerns’ about the ‘deteriorating public order and security situation’ outside Parliament. Conservative MP Anna Soubry was verbally abused by protestors, including being called a ‘liar’, a ‘Nazi’ and ‘scum’ while giving TV interviews.

No-deal checks at Dover could lead to ‘permanent gridlock’
The Financial Times has obtained analysis produced for the Government by UCL which shows that if new customs checks at Dover were introduced following a no-deal Brexit, a 70-second delay to each vehicle would lead to six-day queues for ferries, while an 80-second delay would lead to a ‘no recovery’ scenario with ‘widespread permanent gridlock’.

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NHS logo

Political Headlines – the NHS’s ten-year plan and Brexit latest

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Today’s political headlines include the NHS ten-year plan, May’s 2021 deadline request, MPs in a move to rule out a no-deal Brexit and the Common Market 2.0. 

NHS to announce ten-year plan
The BBC reports that the NHS’s ten-year plan is to be announced later today, and that a focus on prevention could lead to 500,000 lives being saved. The greatest rises in funding will be seen by GPs, mental health and community care in an attempt to reduce dependence on hospitals, with NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens describing it as a ‘practical, costed and phased route map’.

May to request 2021 deadline from EU
The Times says that Theresa May is to ask the EU for a 2021 deadline for the final Brexit agreement, which is one of three elements of a package designed to reassure those worried about the Northern Ireland backstop. She used an appearance on The Andrew Marr Show to warn that if her deal was rejected by MPs, the country would be in ‘uncharted territory’.

Over 200 MPs sign cross-party letter calling on May to rule out no-deal Brexit
The BBC says that over 200 MPs have signed a cross-party letter calling on Theresa May to rule out a no-deal Brexit. The letter, organised by Tory MP Dame Caroline Spelman and Labour MP Jack Dromey, warns of job losses as a result of no-deal Brexit, and its signatories have been invited to meet May tomorrow.

Halfon and Powell propose ‘Common Market 2.0’
The Daily Telegraph reports that Tory MP Robert Halfon and Labour MP Lucy Powell have co-authored ‘Common Market 2.0’, a new Norway-style proposal for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The plan would see the UK continue to follow single market rules, but make greater use of ways to reduce immigration, and see the country leave the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, the Common Agricultural Policy and the Commons Fisheries Policy.

Cross-party effort to stop no-deal Brexit
The Times says that a cross-party effort to prevent a no-deal Brexit has begun, with MPs including Yvette Cooper and Nicky Morgan tabling an amendment to the Finance Bill, allowing ministers to change taxes after Brexit, only if Parliament has votes for one of a deal, no-deal, or an extension to Article 50. It is unclear if the Speaker, John Bercow, will select the amendment to be voted on by MPs.

Rudd delays Universal Credit rollout
The Financial Times reports that Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has delayed the rollout of Universal Credit to a further three million claimants. Instead, she will seek the approval of the House of Commons to move 10,000 claimants to a pilot scheme, which will be monitored.

Villiers accuses BBC of bias
According to The Sun, the BBC is being accused of bias by former cabinet minister Theresa Villiers because it refers to a no-deal Brexit using terms such as ‘cliff edge’ and ‘crashing out’. She has written to BBC Director-General Lord Hall to demand the use of more neutral language.

Former minister compares social care treatment of the elderly to ‘Amazon parcels’
The Daily Telegraph reports that former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann has claimed that council-funded social care in the home treats elderly people like ‘Amazon parcels’ and that care workers are low paid and under ‘enormous pressure’. She also suggested that the recent ‘sudden deterioration in mortality’ was related to cutbacks in elderly care’.

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David Gauke

Political Headlines – Gauke surprised if May backs no deal Brexit and May meets Rees-Mogg for peace talks

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Today’s political headlines include Gauke would be ‘very surprised’ if May backed a no deal Brexit,  MPs in attempt to block no-deal Brexit, May meets Rees-Mogg for peace talks and Johnson cleared in burka row. 

Gauke would be ‘very surprised’ if May backed no deal Brexit
Justice Secretary David Gauke has told the BBC’s Nick Robinson that he would be ‘very surprised’ if Theresa May decided to back a no-deal Brexit once her deal failed, and that if she did, he would find it ‘very difficult’ to remain in the cabinet. He warned about the risk of an ‘accidental no deal’ and suggested that the best way of preventing this was to support Theresa May’s deal.

MPs in attempt to block no deal Brexit
The Guardian reports that a cross-party group of MPs has tabled an amendment to the finance bill in an attempt to ensure that a no deal Brexit can only happen if MPs actively vote to proceed with it. Yvette Cooper, the group’s leader, said that the risks of no deal were ‘far too high and it would be irresponsible to let it happen’. Other signatories to the amendment include prominent figures such as Nicky Morgan, Hilary Benn, Rachel Reeves, Oliver Letwin, Nick Boles and Harriet Harman.

May meets Rees-Mogg for peace talks
According to The Times, Theresa May met Jacob Rees-Mogg and nine other Conservative MPs on Tuesday for ‘peace’ talks, during which she empathised with him over the negative press coverage he received in the aftermath of the failed coup, asking him to imagine what hers had been like for the last two and a half years. According to one attendee, May appealed for the party ‘to come together and find a way through’.

Johnson cleared in burka row
In an exclusive, The Daily Telegraph reports that Boris Johnson has been cleared of wrongdoing following an investigation into remarks he made about women wearing burkas in his newspaper column. A panel of senior lawyers concluded that he had been ‘respectful and tolerant’ of Muslims, and had been exercising his right to free speech.

Almost 600 homeless people died last year
The Financial Times carries details of experimental estimates by the Office for National Statistics which show that almost 600 homeless people died in England and Wales in 2017. 84% of them male. While mortality was highest in London, it was higher as a proportion of the population in Greater Manchester, Liverpool and the West of England.

Ivan Lewis quits Labour over delayed investigation and anti-Semitism
The BBC reports that Ivan Lewis has resigned from the Labour Party. The MP had been suspended for over a year after allegations of sexual harassment, and claimed that the investigation had been subject to ‘politically motivated delay’. He also accused Jeremy Corbyn of not condemning ‘those whose hatred of Israel becomes Jew hatred’.

Convicted MP compares herself to Jesus
The Guardian says the suspended Labour MP Fiona Onasanya, convicted of lying to police to avoid a speeding ticket, has compared herself to Jesus in a message sent to colleagues on WhatsApp, adding that her conviction was ‘the beginning of the next chapter’ of her story. It is unclear if she plans to remain as an MP if she is sentenced to less than a year.

‘Chief nanny’ calls for taxes on chocolate and crisps
The Times reports that Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer, has declared herself to be the ‘chief nanny’, issuing a call for taxes on chocolate and crisps, with the proceeds used to subsidise vegetables. She said that voluntary efforts by the food industry had proved insufficient and that it should paid for the harm it was doing.

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Top 50 political influencers

Coming January 2019: the UK’s Top 50 Political Influencers

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Vuelio is renowned for its rankings, with the top blog rankings, compiled by our in-house media research team, famous the world over. To prepare for what could possibly be the most tumultuous year in politics, we’ve now turned our attention to political influencers from the world of media including broadcasters, editors, columnists, journalists and bloggers.

Launching in January, the Top 50 Political Influencers is being compiled using automated metrics as well as human intelligence. It will be the most comprehensive guide to media commentators, and those with the power of persuasion, ever produced.

Each entry in the ranking will be profiled, making it the who’s who of political media influencers of 2019.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the Top 50 Political Influencers – sign up to Vuelio political updates here.

Vuelio specialises in both media and political communications software, allowing a truly integrated approach to both stakeholder and reputation management. There’s an increasing expectation on many PR teams to also understand the political landscape, and those in public affairs to also understand the media.

Find out more about identifying, understanding and engaging with both media and political influencers.

Corbyn stupid woman

Political Headlines – Corbyn rejects ‘stupid woman’ claim and Brexit latest

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Today’s political headlines include Corbyn rejecting the claim that he called May a ‘stupid woman’, ministers expecting May to back down over immigration income threshold, the Polish prime minister calling on EU leaders to support May and Rudd describing a second vote as plausible. 

Corbyn rejects claim he called May a ‘stupid woman’
The Times claims that Jeremy Corbyn’s credibility is ‘on the line’ after he had to deny that he called Theresa May a stupid woman at Prime Minister’s Questions. Several lip-reading experts believe that he did say the words in question, but Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled that MPs should accept Corbyn’s assertion that he instead said ‘stupid people’. Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the House of Commons, accused Bercow of calling her a ‘stupid woman’ and not apologising earlier this year.

Ministers expect May to back down over migrants’ income level
According to The Guardian, rebellious ministers believe that Theresa May will ultimately be forced to lower the minimum income threshold for workers wishing to migrate to the UK from £30,000 to £21,000, with intense lobbying from business groups expected. Home Secretary Sajid Javid admitted to the Commons that the proposed level was ‘not set in stone’, while the CBI said that the ‘proposals must change’.

Polish prime minister calls on EU leaders to support May
Interviewed by The Daily Telegraph, Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish prime minister, has said that EU leaders need to be ‘unequivocally supportive’ of Theresa May, and that the ‘strong statements and harsh words of some politicians in Brussels do not help’. He added that he believed that May, who he visits today, ‘can navigate through the storm’.

Rudd describes second vote as ‘plausible’
Amber Rudd has told ITV’s Robert Peston that she could see a ‘plausible argument’ for a people’s vote on Brexit, ‘if Parliament absolutely fail to reach a consensus’, adding that it was ‘incumbent on MPs to find the centre ground’ as most people don’t want to be asked to vote again.

Gove unveils plans for new environmental watchdog
The Guardian reports that proposals for a new environmental watchdog after Brexit will see it empowered to sue the Government, although campaigners have raised concerns that the body will not be sufficiently independent because the Environment Secretary will decide on its chair and its budget. Greener UK warned that while the plans showed ‘ambition’, without ‘further work’, protection after Brexit would be ‘weaker’.

Javid describes research on adverts on child abuse websites as ‘horrifying’
The Sun says that Home Secretary Sajid Javid has described as ‘horrifying’ research by the Internet Watch Foundation showing that one in ten child abuse websites host adverts for legitimate companies. He called on advertisers to ‘do everything in their power to prevent unscrupulous websites from making money from this horrendous crime’.

MP convicted of perverting the course of justice
The BBC reports that the MP for Peterborough, Fiona Onasanya, has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice after she lied to police about who had been driving a speeding car. The Labour Party has ‘administratively suspended’ her, and said that ‘she should now resign’. She, and her brother, will be sentenced on a future date.

Homeless man found dying outside Parliament
The Mirror reports that a homeless man, Gyula Remes, who had been sleeping rough outside the entrance to Parliament has died after being taken to hospital. MPs were told about the death by Sir Keir Starmer. A friend of the man believed that Remes’ death came after he smoked a cigarette allegedly laced with the drug spice.

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Sajid Javid 4

Political Headlines – immigration, manifesto promises and the no-deal unicorn

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Today’s political headlines include the publication of the Immigration White Paper, dropping manifesto promises to free up resources for no-deal Brexit and Gauke comparing a managed no-deal Brexit to a unicorn that needs to be slaughtered. 

Immigration White Paper to be published
As the BBC reports, the Government is today publishing its Immigration White Paper, setting out a skills-based immigration system to be phased in from 2021. Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, says that the policy will deliver ‘control over our borders’ but, following concern from cabinet members over its impact, there will be further consultation on plans to extend the £30,000 minimum salary threshold to all skilled migrants.

Manifesto pledges dropped to free up resources for no-deal Brexit
The Times says that Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington is identifying manifesto promises that can be dropped in order to free up resources for a no-deal Brexit, with social care reforms likely to be targeted. Businesses are being instructed to begin their own contingency plans, with households to be given their own instructions in the weeks to come. A further £2bn for no-deal preparations has been awarded by the Chancellor Philip Hammond.

Gauke compares ‘managed’ no-deal Brexit to a unicorn
The Daily Telegraph has details of yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, at which Justice Secretary David Gauke told his fellow ministers that the idea of a ‘managed’ no-deal Brexit was a ‘unicorn that needs to be slaughtered’ and was ‘not a viable option’. However, the paper claims that Gauke was in a minority of Cabinet members, and a consensus was reached that no-deal Brexit plans will now be implemented ‘in full’.

Business groups warn of no-deal impact
The Guardian reports that five leading business organisations have joined forces to warn of the dangers of a no-deal Brexit. They warned that ‘the responsibility to find a way forward now rests directly with 650 MPs and that ‘everyone must remember that businesses and communities need time to adapt to future changes’.

3,500 troops put on standby for no-deal Brexit
The Financial Times reports that the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is putting 3,500 military personnel on standby in case of a no-deal Brexit. They will include engineers, mechanics and drivers, and will be available ‘to support any government department on any contingencies they need’.

Labour MPs call for special party conference on Brexit
The Guardian says that anti-Brexit Labour MPs and campaigners are calling on Jeremy Corbyn to call a special party conference on Brexit, which would consult members on the party’s strategy and adopt a policy supporting a second referendum. Labour MP Dr Paul Williams warned that ‘time is running out’.

Brexiteers to give May a ‘period of tranquillity’
In an exclusive, The Sun claims that Brexiteer Conservative MPs are to give Theresa May a ‘period of tranquility’ and offer her public support because they believe that the UK is now bound for what they call a ‘clean Brexit’. Iain Duncan Smith told the paper that he believed that the Prime Minister was ‘moving in the right direction’.

UK to become seventh biggest economy after Brexit
The Daily Mail carries details of new analysis by PwC which warns that the UK may go from being the world’s fifth-largest economy to the world’s seventh-largest next year after Brexit, even assuming that a no-deal scenario is avoided. The change will be driven by slower growth in the UK than in France and India.

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No deal brexit

Political Headlines – no deal, no confidence and a second referendum

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Today’s political headlines include the Government’s no-deal preparations, Leave figures confident of winning a second referendum, business leaders in call for second referendum and Corbyn’s motion of no-confidence in PM. 

Government ramps up no-deal preparations
In an exclusive, The Sun is reporting that the Cabinet will today sign off plans to order businesses to immediately begin preparations for a no-deal Brexit. Businesses exporting to the EU will receive correspondence from the Government outlining what steps to take, in a clear shift towards increasing preparations for no-deal. The measures are part of an emergency package that Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will present to Cabinet.

Leading Leave figures confident of winning again
The Times is reporting that key members of the Vote Leave campaign are confident of winning a possible second Brexit referendum. While several pro-Brexit Conservative MPs are against holding another vote, it is claimed that Leave figures are more sympathetic to the idea, lining up a potential campaign slogan of ‘tell them again’ and framing the vote as a ‘Remoaner’ referendum pushed by ‘sore losers’.

Business leaders in call for second referendum
In The Telegraph, over 50 business leaders have signed a letter to the Prime Minister, calling on her to abandon the current deal and pursue a second Brexit referendum. Among the group are several former FTSE chairmen, chief executives and entrepreneurs, including Richard Sykes, chairman of Imperial College NHS Trust, and Sir Mike Rake, former chairman of BT. The letter describes May’s deal as ‘impossible to resuscitate’.

Corbyn tables motion of no-confidence in PM
The BBC is reporting on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s decision to table a motion of no-confidence in Theresa May, describing the delay to the Brexit vote as leading the UK into a ‘national crisis’. The motion is targeted at May herself rather than the whole Government, despite the other opposition parties favouring a full no-confidence vote in the Government. According to BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, the motion is not expected to be allocated time to be debated.

Labour commits an extra £100m to help rough sleepers
The Guardian reports that Labour have committed an additional £100m of funding to help get rough sleepers off the streets in freezing weather. The rough sleepers cold weather fund would require local councils to work with charities to provide enough accommodation for those in need, with Labour saying nearly 500 homeless people died last year.

Government launches bottle deposit scheme
The BBC reports that consumers will have to pay a returnable deposit on bottles, cans and disposable cups under a new government strategy. The strategy is designed to help combat climate change, safeguard resources and reduce the flow of plastic to the ocean. The Green Alliance have welcomed this policy, whist the British Retail Consortium remain sceptical.

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Theresa May speech

Political Headlines – May, Cox, workers’ rights and Blair

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Today’s political headlines include May’s thoughts on a second referendum, the Attorney General, Geoffrey Cox, telling Cabinet that May will be removed next year, the biggest package of employment reforms for a generation and Blair’s criticisms of May’s Brexit tactics. 

Another referendum would ‘break faith with British people’
The BBC reports on remarks Prime Minister Theresa May is set to make on a new referendum on Brexit. May will say that a second vote would do ‘irreparable damage’ to British politics and she does not think it would solve any problems. These remarks come after two former Prime Ministers, Tony Blair and John Major, called for a second vote if MPs cannot agree the course of action to take from here.

Attorney General told Cabinet May will be removed next year
The Telegraph reports on allegations that the Attorney General told members of the Cabinet that Theresa May must be removed from her office after Brexit. Geoffrey Cox has reportedly told others to ‘swallow’ the deal for now and renegotiate when May is gone.  It is rumoured that Cox said that May should be removed by April of next year so others can take over the process, it is also reported that this is not the first time that Cox has made such comments.

Biggest package of employment reforms for a generation
The Sun gives details of reforms around workers’ rights. These reforms could see companies that mistreat their staff fines up to £20,000. The changes that will be revealed today by Business Secretary Greg Clark, he will also reveal the companies that have shown ‘malice, spite or gross oversight’ to employees. Further reforms include closing a loophole that allowed agency workers to be employed on cheaper rates than permanent staff. This reform come after the Taylor review into modern working practices.

Blair criticises May’s Brexit tactics
The Metro reports on criticism Theresa May is facing from Tony Blair for the way in which she is attempting to get her Brexit deal through Parliament. Blair called the PM ‘irresponsible’ for the way in which she is attempting to ‘steamroller’ her deal through Parliament. This follows the former PM campaigning for a second referendum, he has also defended his own interventions saying he is within his rights to offer advice to the country.

Review into overseas patients use of the NHS kept secret
The Independent has revealed that a review that says that overseas patients are being wrongly denied NHS treatment after being told to pay up front is being kept out of the public. The review states that care is not being safety withheld when payment is not provided. Shadow Health Secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, has asked why the findings are being kept hidden.

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Juncker

Political Headlines – May humiliated, Tories clash and Labour to increase pressure

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Today’s political headlines include May left humiliated after meeting with EU leaders, Tory factions clash in aftermath of vote, Labour to throw the parliamentary kitchen sink at May and Brexit vote to be held on 14 January. 

May left ‘humiliated’ after meeting with EU leaders
According to The Daily Telegraph, Theresa May was left ‘humiliated’ after last night’s European Council meeting. EU leaders rejected her attempts to win concessions on the Northern Ireland backstop, with European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker saying it was time for the UK ‘to say what they want instead of asking us to say what we want’. The statement issued at the end of the meeting was much worse for May than a draft version drawn up before the leaders met.

Tory factions clash in aftermath of vote
The Times claims that senior Tories believe that the Conservatives are ‘facing an irrevocable split over Brexit’ with factions clashing in the aftermath of the failed vote of no confidence in Theresa May. Apparently some MPs in the European Research Group are threatening to go ‘on strike’ and not vote on some legislation, while rival cabinet members are pressing for different strategies. Some want Parliament to vote on all options, including another referendum, while others want a no-deal Brexit to become the main planning assumption.

Labour to ‘throw the parliamentary kitchen sink’ at May
The Guardian reports that Jeremy Corbyn is to increase pressure on Theresa May in Parliament by using urgent questions and emergency debates, with a source claiming that the party may ‘throw the parliamentary kitchen sink’ at the Government. It adds that Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer has been calling for a motion of no confidence in the Government to be tabled by the party before Christmas.

Brexit vote to be held on January 14
In an exclusive, The Sun says the Government is planning to hold the rescheduled vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal on January 14, with the process restarting and allowing five further days of debate. Number 10 said the vote will be held ‘as soon as possible’ in January.

£970m boost to police funding
The Daily Telegraph says that Home Secretary Sajid Javid has announced a £970m increase in police funding, to be paid for by increased council tax. He said that the funding would allow forces to ‘recruit more detectives’, which would ‘ensure they are better placed to respond to the increasingly complex crimes they face’. He cautioned that the funding boost ‘must be matched by improvements in policing led by the police themselves’.

Labour would break up accounting firms
The Financial Times reports that Labour would force the big four accounting firms to break up their UK businesses, splitting audit from other services, and to cap their share of the audit market at 50% of the country’s largest listed companies. The plans are contained in a report commissioned by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell.

Army recruitment contract won’t deliver promised savings
The Times says that a report by the National Audit Office has found that the army’s recruitment contract with Capita, which has missed its targets each year and left the army undermanned, will not achieve the predicted savings of £270m and has ‘significant problems’, with changes made not yet allowing targets to be met.

Councils to be allowed to raise council tax by 3%
The Sun reports that that Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary James Brokenshire has announced that councils will be allowed to raise council tax by up to 3% next year, with some able to add a further 2% in order to cover the cost of providing social care. The Local Government Association has warned that this is not enough.

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Theresa May

Political Headlines – May wins her vote of no confidence

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Today’s political headlines include May winning the vote of no confidence, the row after MPs have whip reinstated prior to the vote, May seeking backstop assurances from the EU and Javid as Conservative councillors’ favourite to be next leader.  

May wins vote of no confidence, but promises she’ll stand down before election
As The Times reports, Theresa May won the vote of confidence in her leadership by 200 votes to 117. The paper suggests that her margin of victory was less than had been hoped, with May calling for the party to now ‘come together in the national interest’. However, Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the result was ‘terrible’ and May should ‘go and see the Queen urgently and resign’. Ahead of the vote, May promised MPs that she would not lead at the next election, while Philip Hammond claimed that it would ‘flush out the extremists’.

Row after MPs have whip reinstated prior to vote
The Daily Telegraph claims that a row has broken out after the reinstatement of the Conservative whip to two MPs before the vote of no confidence. The votes of Andrew Griffiths and Charlie Elphicke, each suspended following sex claims against them, are believed to have cancelled each other out, with Griffiths voting for May and Elphicke against. Sam Smethers of the Fawcett Society said the decision was ‘an insult to all women’.

May seeks backstop assurances from EU
The Financial Times reports that Theresa May is now heading to Brussels for a meeting of the European Council, at which she hopes to obtain legal assurances about the Northern Ireland backstop. Draft summit conclusions suggest that the EU will say that the arrangement ‘does not represent a desirable outcome’ and would last only for ‘as long as is strictly necessary’ but officials have resisted calls for the statement to have full legal force.

Javid is Conservative councillors’ favourite to be next leader
The Daily Mail carries the results of a poll by Survation which finds that Sajid Javid is the first choice of Conservative councillors to be the next party leader, followed by Jeremy Hunt and Dominic Raab. By contrast, Boris Johnson only came seventh in the survey, which also found that 67% of councillors thought that it was wrong to call the confidence vote.

Corbyn accuses May of being ‘contemptuous’
The Guardian reports that Jeremy Corbyn used Prime Minister’s Questions to demand that Theresa May’s Brexit deal be put to the vote before Christmas, though he largely avoided the subject of the vote of no confidence. May replied only that the date would be ‘announced in the normal way’, which Corbyn claimed was ‘totally and utterly unacceptable’ and ‘contemptuous of parliament’.

Cabinet could block deal before it reaches Parliament, Fox suggests
The Daily Telegraph reports that International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has claimed that cabinet ministers could prevent Parliament from voting on Theresa May’s Brexit deal unless ‘changes to the backstop’ are agreed. He also suggested that a no-deal Brexit would be more likely unless progress was made on this.

Government increases no-deal recruitment
According to the Financial Times, the Government is increasing its recruitment for a no-deal Brexit, adding 50 new staff to the Cabinet Office’s civil contingency secretariat, which manages major events and responds to civil emergencies, and is playing a leading role in cross-Government planning, which goes by the name of ‘Operation Yellowhammer’.

Universities could be fined if they don’t recruit more white working class students
The Daily Mail reports that Education Secretary Damian Hinds has accused universities of not doing enough to admit disadvantaged groups, especially from provincial white backgrounds, and of not doing enough to support black students, who are more likely to drop out in their first year. Universities who don’t take action could be fined.

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Theresa May no confidence

Political Headlines – May faces no confidence vote

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Today’s political headlines include May’s no confidence vote, May to be pressured into stepping up no-deal preparations, voters becoming more pessimistic and EU leaders snubbing May. 

May to face vote of no confidence by Tory MPs
As The Daily Telegraph reports, a vote of no confidence in Theresa May as Conservative leader has been triggered, with the required 48 letters being received. Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, has confirmed that the vote will be held tonight. The paper adds that former cabinet minister Owen Paterson put in a letter of no confidence last night, in which he claimed that the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal was ‘bad’ and a ‘betrayal of clear manifesto promises’, which treated Brexit as a ‘problem to be solved rather than an exciting opportunity to be grasped’.

May to be pressured into stepping up no-deal preparations
The Times claimed that Theresa May was to be put under pressure by some cabinet ministers this morning to step up preparations for a no-deal Brexit, including an emergency fisheries policy. It added that leadership contenders Sajid Javid and Boris Johnson have been preparing their pitches with pieces in The Spectator, with Javid telling the magazine about his commitment to social mobility and Johnson comparing his weight loss to Brexit.

Voters becoming more pessimistic about negotiations
The Guardian carries details of research by Britain Thinks, which finds that people are becoming more pessimistic about the state of the UK’s negotiations to leave the EU, including ‘die hard leavers’. Little consensus on the best way forward emerged from the research, with negative opinions of May’s deal and a dip in support for another referendum.

EU leaders snub May
The Daily Telegraph claims that leaders snubbed Theresa May during her tour of EU countries yesterday, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel telling her that there was ‘no way’ the agreement could be reopened and that negotiations must be conducted through the European Commission. May had reportedly told European leaders that she was considering delaying the vote on Sunday.

Corbyn accuses May of ‘demeaning her office’
The Guardian reports that Jeremy Corbyn accuses Theresa May of ‘demeaning her office’ and creating an ‘abject mess’ yesterday by delaying her vote on the Brexit deal to try and get concessions from the EU. He called on May to ‘immediately put her deal before the house’ if she came back with only ‘warm words’, and ‘let Parliament take back control’.

Peer retires after sexual harassment allegations
In an exclusive, The Sun reports that Lord Lester of Herne Hill is retiring from the House of Lords. Last month a committee had recommended that he should be suspended for sexual harassment and offering a woman ‘corrupt inducements to sleep with him’, but peers rejected the punishment and referred the case back to the committee.

Home Office reverses suspension of ‘golden visas’
The Financial Times says that the Home Office has reversed its decision to suspend issuing ‘golden visas’ to investors, less than a week after it was announced. The change of plan followed the receipt of a letter from immigration lawyers which warned that suspending the Tier 1 investor visa was illegal.

Osamor apologises for ‘emotional outbursts’
The Daily Mail reports that Labour MP Kate Osamor has apologised for what she called ‘emotional outbursts’. She resigned from the shadow cabinet two weeks ago after it was reported that she’d threatened a journalist who asked for comment about her employment of her son, who has been convicted of drugs offences.

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Theresa May withdrawing brexit vote

Political Headlines – May postpones Brexit vote and Corbyn resists vote of no confidence

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Today’s political headlines include May abandoning the Brexit vote, May confirming she will not revoke Article 50, Corbyn resisting pressure to hold a vote of no confidence and whips accused of doing too little too late. 

May abandons Brexit vote for further talks on the backstop
As The Times reports, yesterday Theresa May announced that she was deferring the vote on her Brexit deal, admitting she would have lost it by a ‘significant margin’. Instead, the Prime Minister is visiting European leaders in an attempt to secure further ‘reassurances’ about the Northern Ireland backstop. According to diplomats, the EU would be prepared to sign a ‘letter of intent’ promising to work to avoid the backstop coming into use.

May will not revoke Article 50
The Guardian reports that Theresa May has confirmed that she will not revoke Article 50, because doing so ‘would mean going back on the vote of the referendum’. Yesterday, the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK could revoke its notification without needing permission from the EU.

Corbyn resists pressure to hold vote of no confidence
The Financial Times says that Jeremy Corbyn is resisting pressure from Labour MPs, including 38 who signed a letter organised by Ian Murray, and other party leaders, such as Nicola Sturgeon who challenged him on Twitter yesterday, to table a vote of no confidence in Theresa May. The paper suggests this is because it would cause Labour’s ‘fudged’ Brexit policy to unravel, potentially forcing it to back another referendum.

Whips accused of doing ‘too little, too late’
The Times claims that Conservative whips have been accused of doing ‘too little, too late’ to ensure the support of Tory MPs for the deal. According to the paper, some backbenchers weren’t contacted until Saturday to find out how they’d be voting, despite Chief Whip Julian Smith promising to get support for the deal at a Cabinet meeting three weeks ago.

Bercow accuses May of being ‘deeply discourteous’
The Daily Express says that Commons Speaker John Bercow accused Theresa May of being ‘deeply discourteous’ for calling off today’s Brexit vote, suggesting that MPs should get to vote on the postponement although he admitted that it did not need to be put to the vote.

MP grabs mace in protest
The Mirror reports that Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle grabbed the House of Commons mace yesterday in protest at Theresa May’s decision to scrap the planned vote, which he said was ‘disgraceful’. He was then barred from the House for the rest of the day by the Speaker.

Stansted 15 convicted in ‘unprecedented crackdown in the right to protest’
The Guardian reports that the Stansted 15, protesters who took direct action against a deportation flight from the airport, have been convicted of terrorist offences introduced after Lockerbie, the first time these have been used against a non-violent protest. One activist said his conviction was an ‘unprecedented crackdown on the right to protest’.

Speaker could be investigated for bullying ‘within weeks’
According to The Sun, allegations of bullying against Commons Speaker John Bercow could be investigated ‘within weeks’ after the Commons Standards Committee called for a rule blocking the investigation of complaints which are over seven years old without its permission to be abandoned. MPs are expected to approve the change before Christmas, and Tory MP Andrew Bridgen has confirmed that he will then resubmit a complaint.

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Theresa May

Political Headlines – May considers postponing the Brexit vote and the UK can cancel Brexit

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Today’s political headlines include the potential postponing of the Brexit vote, UK can cancel Brexit unilaterally, May could face leadership battle this week and no-confidence in Theresa May. 

May considers postponing Brexit vote
The Daily Telegraph says that Theresa May has held ‘crisis talks’ with EU leaders while she considers whether to postpone Tuesday’s vote on the Brexit deal. According to the paper, ‘her closest allies’ still don’t know whether she intends to go ahead with the vote as planned. The paper adds that some ministers have discussed holding a referendum between May’s deal and a no-deal Brexit, with no option to remain.

UK can cancel Brexit unilaterally
The BBC reports that the European Court of Justice has ruled this morning that the UK could cancel Brexit without the permission of other EU nations. However, the decision would have to ‘follow a democratic process’, so Parliament would need to approve any such move.

May could face leadership battle this week
The Times reports that Theresa May could face a leadership battle. Boris Johnson has set out plans for a further negotiation with the EU, while Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt are apparently sounding out potential supporters. The Sun adds that Javid could launch his campaign this week, and has been recruiting supporters for the last fortnight, telling one ‘senior Tory’ that May will be forced out when her deal falls and he will then declare his candidacy immediately.

Labour and DUP discussing no confidence vote in Theresa May
The Daily Telegraph claims that Labour has been holding discussions with the DUP about tabling a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister, in the hope of uniting opposing factions against her. The party is reportedly concerned that tabling a motion against the whole Government would instead unite the different Conservative factions.

Brexit deal criticised by MPs
The Financial Times says that the Commons Brexit Committee has criticised the Brexit deal, accusing the Government of avoiding ‘hard choices’ and not offering ‘sufficient clarity or certainty about the future’. The committee, consisting of both Brexiteers and Remainers, also claimed that the plan had ‘no realistic, long-term proposals’ for the Irish border.

Ministers to be obliged to seek better fishing deal
The Times reports that Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove is to announce a new legal obligation for ministers to seek a better deal for fishermen when they negotiate over rights after Brexit. The obligation is to be introduced as an amendment to the Fisheries Bill today.

£1bn bailout for Crossrail
According to the Financial Times, the Government is to announce a £1bn bailout for Crossrail, perhaps as soon as today. The paper also warns that the project may be delayed further, amid problems with software, testing and station construction, and may not be ready to open until late 2020.

Outsourcing firm seeks rescue deal
The BBC reports that Interserve, which is one of the largest providers of public services, is seeking a rescue deal. The firm is struggling with £500m of debt, but claims to be ‘making good progress’ on its long-term recovery plan, which will be announced in the new year.

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Waiting room

Political Headlines – millions wait for GP appointments and Brexit latest

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Today’s political headlines include millions of patients waiting for more than three weeks for a GP appointment, gambling firms agree whistle-to-whistle ad ban, ITV pulls out of hosting the Brexit debate, and no-deal could mean gridlock for Kent. 

Millions of patients waiting more than three weeks for a GP appointment
The Times reports that five million patients a month are waiting more than three weeks for a GP appointment, according to data released by the NHS for the first time. The figures will pile further pressure on health chiefs to deal with the chronic shortage of GPs. Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, has acknowledged that if the GP system fails the whole NHS will fail as hospitals are pushed beyond capacity.

Gambling firms agree ‘whistle-to-whistle’ television advertising ban
The BBC reports that the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which includes Bet365, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, has struck a deal to stop adverts during live sports broadcasts. The ban will include any game that starts prior to the 9pm watershed but ends after that time. Tom Watson MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said he was ‘delighted’ by the move as the number of adverts during live sports had ‘clearly reached crisis levels’.

ITV pull out of hosting TV debate between May and Corbyn
Sky reports that ITV has withdrawn its proposal to hold a Brexit debate between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn. This comes after disagreement between the Conservatives and the Labour Party disagreeing on whether to take up the offer of a debate. The debate proposed by ITV was favoured by Labour, whereas the option put forward by the BBC was favoured by the Conservatives. It is rumoured that the Prime Minister did not want to miss Strictly Come Dancing hence why she was against the ITV proposal. It is also alleged that Jeremy Corbyn was worried about the debate clashing with I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

No-deal Brexit could mean gridlock for Kent
The Guardian gives details of a report by Kent County Council. The report says that a no-deal Brexit would cause chaos across Kent, with gridlock on the roads, no rubbish collected, and children unable to take exams.  It is expected Kent would face some of the harshest consequences of a no-deal due to the Dover-Calais trade route. The council has also said that if this was the outcome then all who would be impacted would be informed.

Rail review could recommend nationalisation
The BBC report on remarks made by Keith Williams, the man conducting a review into the UK railways where he has said that nationalisation is a possible recommendation. Williams said he is independent, so he will consider all options and his job is to come up with the best recommendations. The review will be published in a white paper in the autumn of 2019 and reform will begin in 2020. Williams said what he sees in the “rail system is a loss of public confidence”.

Leave campaigners preparing for second referendum
The Financial Times are reporting that key figures in the Leave campaign are making preparations for a second Brexit vote. In an exclusive, the paper claims Eurosceptic MPs are working with Australian political strategist Lynton Crosby to plan their approach, reflecting the belief that a parliamentary deadlock could lead to a second referendum.

Corbyn calls for support over Brexit
In an article for The Guardian, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged MPs to reject Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the Commons vote next week, and get behind Labour’s alternative plan. Corbyn again suggested a second referendum may be a possibility, saying that “all options must be on the table” if a general election cannot be forced.

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Brexit flag

Political Headlines – extension of Article 50 and the Brexit debate

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Today’s political headlines include the EU prepared to extend Article 50, May talking to colleagues about the backstop, Cabinet ministers call on May to postpone vote on deal and Gove to wind up the Brexit debate. 

EU would be prepared to extend Article 50, sources claim
The Daily Telegraph asserts that according to EU sources, the bloc would be prepared to extend the Article 50 negotiating period if MPs reject her Brexit deal, if this would avoid a no-deal Brexit. The paper adds that the Government’s legal advice, published yesterday, makes it clear that there would be different customs regimes in Northern Ireland and Great Britain under the backstop, while Number 10 has been discussing finding a way of giving MPs a veto over the backstop.

May ‘talking to colleagues’ about backstop
Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, Theresa May said that she is ‘talking to colleagues’ about the Northern Ireland backstop, but that it was ‘an integral part of the withdrawal agreement’. However, she admitted that she was considering Parliament’s role in choosing to trigger it or a transition period extension.

Cabinet ministers call on May to postpone vote on deal
The Times says that some Cabinet ministers are trying to persuade Theresa May to postpone the vote on her Brexit deal amid fears that she is guaranteed to lose the vote, with Chief Whip Julian Smith claiming that many backbenchers are ‘beyond reason’. Some MPs from both the Government and opposition benches have been offered places on a cross-party committee, which will help direct the next stage of Brexit talks.

Gove to wind up Brexit debate
The Daily Telegraph claims that Michael Gove has been given the job of winding-up the debate on Theresa May’s Brexit deal, perhaps because he is felt more likely to persuade backbench Conservative MPs. Yesterday, Home Secretary Sajid Javid claimed that a no-deal Brexit would lead to ‘an immediate and probably indefinite loss of some security capability’.

Hammond tells MPs economic cost of Brexit is worth it
The Financial Times reports that Chancellor Philip Hammond told the Commons Treasury Committee yesterday that the economic cost of Theresa May’s Brexit deal was worth it in order to ensure that Brexit voters did not feel betrayed. MPs criticised him because the Government’s assessment did not model the exact deal agreed and it had not publishes analysis of Brexit’s short-term impact.

Home Office suspends controversial visas in bid to tackle organised crime
The Times says that the Home Office is suspending issuing ‘Tier 1’ investor visas as part of an attempt to tackle organised crime and money laundering. Existing applications will continue to be considered, but new applications will have to wait for planned reforms to be introduced.

Corbyn attacks Conservative MPs for using foodbanks as photo opportunities
The Mirror reports that Jeremy Corbyn used Prime Minister’s Questions to launch ‘a devastating tear down of the Government’s welfare policies’. The Labour leader told MPs that ‘foodbanks are not just a photo opportunity for Conservative MPs’ and accused the Government of being ‘in denial’ about the effect of Universal Credit.

Hinds argues that snobbery is holding back vocational education
The Sun says that Education Secretary Damian Hinds is to use a keynote speech on technical education to argue that A-levels and university should not be the default route, and to claim that ‘snobbery’ from parents is holding children back because not enough prestige has been attached to vocation education in British society.

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