Scathing criticism
From self-lacerating memoir to by-election madness and a Labour Together takedown, The Mace’s literary editor Christopher Silvester rounds up the latest political books.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Dr Michelle Howard, Senior Advisor for Defence and Space, Lexington Communications: “The future of public affairs is full of promise for the creative”
Mace | 16th September 2026 | Uncategorised, Westminster Index
Lexington’s Michelle Howard explains how an unconventional career spanning opera, journalism, hydropower and defence led her into public affairs, why political instability rewards creativity and listening, and what Westminster can learn from Britain’s space sector.
Subscribe to The Mace
Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.
To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.
Telling a human tale
From self-lacerating memoir to by-election madness and a Labour Together takedown, The Mace’s literary editor Christopher Silvester rounds up the latest political books.
Ex-deputy chair among Tory defections to Reform
Three former Conservative MPs, including ex-deputy chair Jonathan Gullis, defect to Reform UK as the party capitalises on Tory unrest and declining support.
UK–EU Defence Fund Talks Collapse Over Entry Fee Standoff
Talks between London and Brussels collapsed after the EU demanded a high entry fee for SAFE, leaving the UK limited to third-country participation.
Government to Ban Asylum Seekers from Taxi Services
The government plans to end most taxi travel for asylum seekers attending medical appointments, replacing it with public transport and tightening Home Office oversight.
Yermak’s Resignation Sends Shockwaves Through Kyiv and Europe
The resignation of Andriy Yermak after anti-corruption raids disrupts Ukraine’s leadership and triggers uncertainty across Europe during a critical phase of the war.
Autumn Budget 2025: family finances squeezed, welfare rules eased
After weeks of tax rumour and expectation-setting, the 26 November Budget landed as a welfare-first package that lifts the benefits cap but tightens the screw on household incomes,
Zack to the future
What will the Greens’ new eco-populist leader Zack Polanski – who now heads Britain’s third-largest political party – do for his next trick?
EU parliament shifts corporate rulebook in favour of business interests
The European Parliament on 13 November 2025 approved amendments that sharply reduce the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the associated reporting regime
FTSE 100 surges to record high amid US government shutdown breakthrough
The FTSE 100 hit a record 9,787 points as investors cheered progress in Washington towards ending the US government shutdown. Strong gains in Diageo, miners and financial stocks
