Industry Reacts: Lucy Powell and education reform
The Burnham administration has unveiled an ambitious new vision for Britain’s school system. Mace asks leaders across the education sector for their verdict.
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The uncancellable Quentin Letts
As a parliamentary Boz of modern times, Quentin Letts has recently found himself under fire in the Commons press gallery. He tells us why sketch writers don’t need to get on with politicians.
Racing the sunset: a pilgrim odyssey across a dying Europe
For 10 months, ex-army officer James Jeffrey trekked 3500 km across Europe by foot. The scale of migration he witnessed may not have been as dramatic as the storming of Ceuta. But this exclusive account of his solo odyssey is a wake-up call to how the Europe he knew growing up in Germany has vanished as a result of open borders and illegal crossings.
Leader in Public Affairs: Grace Pritchard, Downing Street Director of News and the Prime Minister’s Political Spokesperson
After heading the Makerfield by-election comms team, Grace Pritchard was singled out by Andy Burnham as being a key part of his northern campaign team. The self-styled ‘Yorkshire lass’ is now the Prime Minister’s Political Spokesperson and Director of News at Downing Street.
The Advocate: Lucy Gilchrist, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, PepsiCo UKI – “Advocacy enables better policymaking”
PepsiCo UKI’s Lucy Gilchrist does some of her best policy thinking on the running machine. She tells The Mace why public affairs must turn intelligence into action, how campaigning shaped her approach to political pressure, and why AI should augment rather than replace hard-won experience.
Dame Antonia’s key civil service reforms are ready to be supported by Whitehall, says Jonathan Freeman
The Civil Service is ready to support Dame Antonia Romeo’s flagship changes to government machinery – notably relating to AI and devolution – under new prime minister Andy Burnham, writes Jonathan Freeman, CEO of the Charity for Civil Servants.
Burnham is trying to fix Whitehall, but will the political machinery change?
Andy Burnham is shaking up government with more changes than by any incoming prime minister in memory. But, asks Sir Bernard Jenkin MP, does he understand why the political machinery has failed for previous PMs?
Leaders call for a reform of strict civil service rules: “Trust in politicians and governments is dangerously low”
Former No.10 comms director warns that civil service rules stop special advisers and civil service officials from working together to communicate the government’s work.
Don’t rule out an early election as Burnham may see an opportunity to kick Reform, says Fred de Fossard
With the new Prime minister championing policies which go beyond Labour’s very confined 2024 manifesto, an early election is not illogical.
The Strategist: Sonia Khan, senior partner H/Advisors – “Those of us who’ve spent a good amount of time in government understand how government operates”
As one of Westminster’s most effective public affairs strategists, Sonia Khan tells Mace how she bridges the gap between high-stakes politics and global corporate strategy.
Despite promises of radical change, Labour’s culture of ruling political families remains entrenched
Andy Burnham’s inner circle appears to perpetuate Labour’s long-running culture of nepotism, and is doomed to cause frustration among backbenchers.
Kemi’s true blue purge, with help from Sir Philip May
The news that former Home Secretary Sir Grant Shapps has failed to make the new Tory candidate list has put fear into dozens of former Conservative MPs. Whether the party should be humiliating former senior Cabinet ministers of the party is a Westminster talking point, says William Cash.
Why Burnham’s energy VAT cut will make a difference
Cameron Brown, a former special advisor to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, explains why Burnham’s VAT cut on energy bills is a measure people will actually notice.
If Burnham wants growth, he must start by backing AI and Tech founders and risk-takers, says Liam Houghton
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an opportunity to make Britain the best place to start and scale a business, argues CEO Liam Houghton.
Industry reacts: Burnham cuts business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues in England by 20%
Mace investigates what industry leaders really think about this new measure.
The continuing political Whydunnit of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
The strangely guilty way that the media, and some politicians have reacted to Widdecombe’s shocking death shows the double standards that can operate when a politician of the right, or left, is murdered in a targeted attack.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Joe Chapman, Head of Public Affairs, Manchester Airports Group – “I love being an advocate”
Joe Chapman, head of public affairs at the Manchester Airport Group, reveals his support for reform in the public affairs industry and why he loves being a leading in-house advocate in the aviation sector.
Kempock: A straight-talking political advisory firm for organisations navigating devolved government and politics
New Scotland-based consultancy offers independent political judgement,
drawing on more than a decade at the heart of devolved politics
Travel industry leaders plan to step up lobbying efforts under Burnham government
The leading travel association has set out an engagement program with MPs, civil servants, advisors and government bodies.
John Healey as Chancellor: a Westminster surprise chess move and a safe pair of hands
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s surprise move to appoint former Defence Secretary John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer proves that Westminster politics is an unpredictable game of cabinet thrones.
The King of the North Takes Downing Street: Burnham’s Great Purge
The ruthlessness of Andy Burnham’s purge has taken the country back to Macmillan’s Night of the Long Knives. Media reaction has been predictably partisan, with the choice of John Healey as Chancellor catching all off-guard.
What James Purnell’s return to No 10, along with the new cabinet, reveals about Burnham’s Labour network
James Purnell’s return to frontline politics is more than a nostalgic Blair-Brown era reunion. As Andy Burnham builds his Downing Street operation, public affairs professionals will need to understand the overlapping Labour networks — from the Roses set to the Miliband revivalists — now competing to shape the new administration.
Ann Widdecombe Devon hamlet murder mystery continues as tributes make her a political saint
The death of Ann Widdecombe raises serious questions about the security of high-profile politicians. The shocking episode seems out of Midsomer Murders with the former Tory minister being turned into a political saint.
Industry Reacts: Small Tech and the social media ban
“If the ban is pitched ever so slightly wrong, then companies which have nothing to do with social media are going to get caught in it,” experts warn.
Olly Robbins shows Whitehall is prepared to hold Westminster to account
The former head of the Foreign Office is now taking legal action, putting the government’s treatment of senior civil servants under fresh scrutiny.
Kemi is right to lift the white, Oxbridge fatwa and purge the Conservative party of non-Tories
Overhauling the Tory candidates list is a shrewd political move which will allow her to put her own stamp on the party, and more importantly, shape its future, writes William Cash
New lobbying recommendations: “Comprehensive and positive”
Industry leaders say that ‘trust hangs by a thread’ and the time has come take action.
The Mace Defence Special Report: NATO must focus on new tech
In an exclusive special for Mace, expert Dr Daniel Frampton discusses the pivotal shift of the Strategic Defence Review towards a new age of defence technology for NATO.
The Mace Defence Special Report: Why NATO and the UK need to support SME’s
Mace defence expert, Dr Daniel Frampton, highlights the importance of SME’s for UK and NATO defence – and warns they are at a disadvantage.
Farage’s bombshell resignation: Strategy or hubris?
Farage says ‘the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions’, but is this his most reckless move yet?
From Dependency to Deterrence: Why Supply Chains Matter to NATO and the UK
With the NATO summit in Ankara today, our defence expert Dr Daniel Frampton argues that supply chains have become a strategic asset for the NATO Alliance.
The Mace Defence Special Report: Experts warn we have fallen behind our NATO allies
With the NATO Summit in Turkey, our defence expert Dr Daniel Frampton looks at whether the UK is bringing enough security and spending to the table.
Industry Reacts: Burnham’s ambitious housebuilding plans
Andy Burnham has promised the ‘biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen’. The Mace investigates what industry insiders think of his vision.
Caroline Simpson: Why devolution needs this technocrat
Amid the frenzy over who Burnham will choose as his chancellor, his shrewd appointment of Caroline Simpson to lead No. 10 North has been overlooked.
UK’s £4.7 billion Defence black hole: Dan Jarvis is inheriting a defence settlement Britain can no longer afford
Britain cannot afford to fall behind its NATO allies on defence spending, writes Jasset Harlech.
CPAC GB 2026: “Save Britain, save the West”
Introducing the inaugural Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on British soil, a landmark expansion of the world’s premier conservative networking brand.
Merkel’s Legacy is in Tatters
How Angela Merkel Weakened the West and Handed Putin and Xi Leverage
Flint lobbyist James Purnell set to become Burnham’s chief of staff, causing unease in some Labour ranks
Flint Global CEO James Purnell’s expected appointment as Andy Burnham’s chief of staff is just the latest Westminster merry-go-round job move from Public Affairs back into Downing Street.
Defence spending controversy aside, the UK cannot turn up to NATO empty-handed
Labour psychodrama is simply not as important as the UK’s diplomatic commitment to its NATO allies.
Whitehall grinds to a halt after resignation chaos
Senior advisor warns that the change of prime minister is a “colossal waste of energy”, as the business of politics comes to a standstill.
The UK’s unwritten constitution: There are no real rules
The timing and in what circumstances a leader should stay or go are in flux, argues Mark Leftly.
Britain is drifting towards Italian-style instability — it is time to learn from America
Love or hate the current American administration, at least they have a consistent electoral cycle where the choice of the electorate is upheld.
Burnham’s popularity bubble is doomed to pop
Andy Burnham wants an immediate coronation, but life in Westminster would quickly expose the limits of popular appeal built from a safe distance.
Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister as Labour prepares for Burnham succession
Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership process that now looks increasingly likely to clear the way for Andy Burnham to enter Downing Street within weeks.
Hail Andy, King of Makerfield
As vultures circle Downing Street, now that Burnham is back as an MP, Starmer must realise that resigning is going to be better for the Labour Party than a humiliating forced exit.
Musical chairs again in Downing Street
What will a Burnham government look like ? Lucy Carrier-Pilkington analyses what a change of prime minister will mean for the country and who will be the likely winners and losers.
The World Cup economy: Football could bring billions home this year
New analysis reveals mixed results for the UK economy during this summer’s tournament, with the hospitality sector reaching a record high and workplace productivity, unsurprisingly, worse for wear.
Buy British – unless you’re making jet fuel
Charlie Garner makes the case for sustainable aviation fuel, arguing that Britain holds a competitive advantage as the market develops.
‘Al is a born leader’: The dark horse of the Labour leadership contest
Ex-Royal Marines commando emerges as the plan B candidate in the race for Labour leadership.
‘Never bet against America’ SpaceX debut makes millions for the UK
The most highly anticipated stock market debut of the year, perhaps of all time, has delivered a huge win for UK investors.
The social media ban: game changer or rushed job?
Debate has erupted over whether the new policy is an overdue attempt to rein in Silicon Valley or a short-sighted, politically motivated move that will push children towards less regulated corners of the internet.
Reform v Restore: the English civil war in Makerfield that will decide the next Labour prime minister
With Restore and Reform tearing votes off each other, the Makerfield by-election could propel Andy Burnham into Number 10. But, asks William Cash, will Restore’s percentage of the vote on Thursday change the future UK political landscape?
Memo to the new Defence Secretary before the NATO summit: “It’s not all about the money”
Creating a Defence Industrial base with no new money is going to be a challenge for any Defence Secretary. But, argues defence expert William Wallace, there are several free things that Dan Jarvis can starting thinking about before the NATO summit in Turkey, on 7-8th July.
Social media crackdown: “Those who use social media to incite violence and disorder are breaking the law”
Twelve police officers have been injured and 16 people arrested in the second night of rioting in Northern Ireland, Technology Secretary responds with a new crackdown.
Is the pub economy coming home for the World Cup?
As England prepares for next Wednesday’s World Cup opener, The Mace explores how the tournament could boost the pub economy.
When it comes to English police reform, do not repeat the mistakes made north of the border
The dismal results of reducing the police force in Scotland should act as a cautionary deterrent for English police reform, writes Sharon Dowey, a former member of the Scottish Parliament’s criminal justice committee.
Checkmate DC’s bold London move
Tristan Breijer is the new London head of Checkmate Government Relations. The move into London gives the US lobby firm its first European base, bringing its global power-broking network, with close links to the Trump administration, to the “heart of European policymaking”.
What the Mandelson files reveal about Global Counsel
Lord Peter Mandelson has found himself in the headlines again, as the ‘Mandelson Files’ reveal the true extent of his involvement in the Labour Party.
Divisive debate erupts over potential workers’ rights overhaul
A new workers’ rights consultation could spell the end of ‘exploitative’ zero-hours contracts, but critics warn the move could further damage the shrinking labour market.
Wigan Man will decide the next Prime Minister
Andy Burnham may struggle to win the Makerfield by-election if ‘Wigan Man’ emerges as the new median voter whom parties must attract to win the next election, says Simon Caldwell.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Public Relations “If you can automate something entirely it isn’t a professional service, it’s just a glorified supermarket checkout”
CIPR chief executive Alastair McCapra explains why lobbying needs stronger regulation, higher professional standards and the human judgement that technology cannot replace.
“Children deserve better”: Industry leaders react to potential social media ban
Industry experts warn that a ban on under-16s using social media ‘could create a false sense of safety’ if additional measures to fortify the ban are not put in place.
Brussels Diary by Konstantinos Bogdanos: ‘The local bistros are half-empty as the Belgian middle class finds even a weekend meal an unaffordable luxury”
Konstantinos Bogdanos, our regular Brussels Diarist, on how the bills for Europe’s political class are finally coming due in a city where the Belgian middle-class can’t afford to eat out any more.
Holiday tax will ruin the English Summer
Despite the new 5% VAT tax break for holiday attractions, tourism trade body leaders are speaking out about how government policies may not help the sector.
The Strategist: Dominic Raab, former deputy prime minister joins Kreab London as senior adviser
The former deputy prime minister and foreign secretary will be advising Kreab global clients on defence and intelligence-related issues, as well as international geopolitics and Westminster issues.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jessica Lennard, Chief Strategy Officer, Competition and Markets Authority – “I’m an obsessive starter finisher”
After leaving Linklaters, Jessica joined the Conservative Party’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change team in 2008 just as energy security and climate policy were rising rapidly up the agenda. Her career reflects how the energy market has re-structured over the last decade.
Time to pay-up: why the government is right to crack-down on late payments by large companies
New legislation in the King’s Speech to clamp down on large companies paying small suppliers late is long overdue, says Sarah Stone
Are Labour eyeing a return to the EU? Mace investigates the key players involved
Recent comments by the former health secretary have plunged Brexit back into national conversation, but what does Labour actually think?
The Renters’ Right Act will bury the UK housing market, says leading UK developer Kamal Pankhania
With the UK housing market already under economic pressure, this is not the right time to introduce new rental reforms that will damage investor confidence, says Kamal Pankhania, CEO of Westcombe Homes
Reflections on starting up a new centre-right think tank by Jonathan Brown
Jonathan Brown, CEO of Centre for a Better Britain, explains why Westminster needed a new think tank for a new political era
Inside the Red Queen’s campaign war chest
Now Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC, will she stand to be the next Prime Minister? Lucy Carrier-Pilkington reveals has the financial and political backing in place.
Westminster Street Fight for the Labour crown
With Wes Streeting resigning and Angela Rayner now cleared by HMRC, all eyes are on Westminster’s Game of Thrones-style battle for the Labour crown
Wes Streeting could be Britain’s next PM — here are the lobby groups who come with him
Calls for Keir Starmer to quit are getting louder, Lucy Carrier-Pilkington examines what new leadership could mean for the lobbying industry.
Starmer faces his day of reckoning
Starmer’s future hangs in the balance as Labour prepares for a potential leadership contest.
The Death of Public Trust in Westminster
The survival of our nation depends upon rebuilding trust in government between ministers and officials, says Sir Bernard Jenkin MP
May 7th will be Judgement Day for Labour
With a new five party electoral choice on May 7th, Labour has not adapted its local campaigning strategy effectively.
Robert Jenrick joins UK tourism trade bodies in hitting out at Holiday Tax
Robert Jenrick, Reform’s Shadow Chancellor, used the Bank Holiday to make clear that his party would not be introducing a tourism tax.
“Life-long Labour voters tell me Labour doesn’t feel like Labour anymore,” says Alexa Jago, standing for Reform in Chelsea
London local elections exclusive: there’s no such thing as a traditional Labour or Tory vote anymore on May 7th. All votes are up for grabs.
A lobby system not fit for purpose
CIPR’s latest poll of 250 public affairs professionals makes clear that there is majority backing for radical reform of lobbying rules to make the profession more transparent.
Mobile phone ban in schools: lobby groups say “it’s about time”
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will be amended to introduce a legal ban on mobile phones in schools in England.
Whitehall continues to throw Starmer under the bus as the Robbins saga continues
As the blame game between Keir Starmer and Olly Robbins unfolds, Lucy Carrier-Pilkington argues this is just the latest in a pattern of governments pinning responsibility on civil servants.
Forty years after Big Bang, the City cannot write its own rules for growth
Greater deregulation for the financial sector in the City is not the way forward, writes Mick McAteer.
Do clients think they are part of the construction industry?
A new guide outlining their roles and responsibilities under the Building Safety Act has prompted some questions about how seriously clients are taking the new safety regime, says Rachel Davidson.
Starmer sacks top diplomat over Mandelson problems
Sir Olly Robins’ exit from the Foreign Office has raised questions over how much the Prime Minister knew about Mandelson’s appointment, and whether he knowingly mislead parliament
The Strategist: Mark Leftly on the reality of political networks
Whilst it may seem easy to cast generalisations over Labour MPs, the reality is that most networks date back decades, writes Mark Leftly
“So clever they can’t tie their own shoelaces”: Why the Civil Service Fast Stream process needs reform
Despite the competitiveness of the elite civil service fast stream, Lucy Carrier-Pilkington warns that it is turning away those with real talent.
The Pope vs Trump: Is the Vatican becoming a new super-power ?
With a new American pope, William Cash investigates the global power dynamics behind the throne of St Peter.
Time’s up for the lobby industry, says Alastair McCapra
Why reform of UK lobbying rules is urgently required, says Alastair McCapra, CEO of CIPR
Sarah Vine: Scenes from a Brexit Marriage
In her bestselling book, Sarah Vine reinvented the political wife memoir. Soon out in paperback, Melanie McDonagh sat down with the ex-wife of Michael Gove to discuss the dramatis personae of a Westminster era.
Reeves has opened the door to EU realignment – here’s how it can go further for fintechs
The Chancellor has hinted that closer ties with the EU are on the table. But fintech companies want something more concrete, warns Philip Belamant
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive of CIPR
As Chief Executive of CIPR, Alastair McCapra is both a public affairs industry leader and also one of its more persistent critics. In his Mace profile, subjects range from lobby reform to Bismarck and his French bulldog.
Toby Young’s House of Lords Diary
With invitations coming in to speak at the 2026 autumn party conference season, freedom of speech campaigner Toby Young reflects on his political status ‘upgrade’ from hack to in-demand peer on the fringe circuit.
Leading UK trade association warns of rising energy prices
As the war in Iran continues, Energy UK warns that bills will continue to rise.
Deliverance Day: Meet Starmer’s Mr Fixer-in-Chief
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the PM, has released the first tranche of the Mandelson Files to the Commons. In an exclusive, he tells The Mace that his political hero is Ernest Bevin and that he gets fired up by the D: Ream song: “Things Can Only Get Better”
Access, Power, Influence: The Mace’s Top 100 Lobbyists (agencies) 2026
Introducing The Mace’s guide to the top 100 political strategists working in UK public affairs in 2026. Peer-reviewed by industry experts, we reveal the leading agency professionals advocating for businesses, organisations and causes in Westminster and the devolved nations.
Heads Up – Talking Strategy with Headland’s Toby Pellew
Under managing director Toby Pellew, Headland has become one of the UK’s leading public affairs agencies. He reveals what it takes to get to the top in the strategic comms game
What’s next for Global Counsel?
With both founders resigning and Rebecca Park as the new CEO, William Cash looks at how the leading global lobbying firm might turn a crisis into opportunity
Scott Colvin on a life in public affairs
Scott Colvin, Group Director of Public Affairs at Aviva, on why business is taking public affairs seriously and why he turned down a top job at No 10
PM’s right hand man criticises government comms operation
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.
Editor-In-Chief watches Jenrick Defect as Reform Courts the Conservatives
William Cash attends a dramatic Westminster press conference at which Robert Jenrick is inducted into Reform. But how many more Tory defections are good for the party?