Money Changes Everything
The question of money buying influence in politics is centuries old and not going away
PM’s right hand man criticises government comms operation
Mace | 17th January 2026 | Politics
A senior aide close to the prime minister has publicly criticised the government’s communications operation, highlighting internal tensions over press briefings, transparency and efforts to modernise how Downing Street engages with media and the public.
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.
Death of the British staycation
The government's new 5% tourism tax is the last thing the UK's hospitality sector needs, says William Cash
“Two of our lemurs are missing”: a study in fake global news and a cautionary tale for the PA industry
One of the world’s richest men has been accused of ‘harbouring stolen lemurs’: The Mace reveals a cautionary tale in fake news.
A “little local difficulty” – Gawain Towler’s Reform Conference Diary
Seasoned Farage aide-de-camp Gawain Towler reflects on Reform's first ever Business Day at the NEC - and what it's like when a media grenade goes off during the
Tory reshuffle: Kemi shows her ruthless side
With a new team behind her, the latest Tory reshuffle has put the party on early election watch as well as showing her ruthless side.
Back to school chaos: first day of term report as Burnham faced the Commons
Andy Burnham addressed the House of Commons for the first time as Prime Minister as MPs returned to Parliament. How did he do at the dispatch box and
Silly season is coming to an end: What to expect from Westminster this Autumn
September and October usually mark the most intense period of political activity in the UK, here is what to expect.
Andy Burnham’s social media strategy faces questions over traditional media
The former Downing Street communications chief believes “there are hard truths coming” for Burnham.
Industry Watch: John Gill, Deputy Director of External Affairs, Reform UK – “There’s no limit to where a man can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit”
John Gill's promotion at Reform UK, just before the party launches its inaugural Business Day at its September NEC conference, is indicative of how the party is ramping
Carry on, Clacton
Wiliam Cash reflects on how the myth of Clacton and its reality has created media distortion when it comes to reporting on Farage’s seaside spiritual HQ.
