Articles by Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

Business

Lib Dems to force vote on creating new customs union with EU

Ed Davey’s party believes the move is the best way to ‘turbocharge’ economy, rather than tax rises

3 hours ago

Politics

Labour MPs urge Reeves to drop private finance plans for NHS buildings

Chancellor told PFI-style schemes familiar from New Labour era are ‘fiscal illusion’ offering no value for money

5 hours ago

Politics

Labour faces questions over Starmer aide who holds shares in lobbying firm

Communications chief Tim Allan left Strand Partners in September but still holds a minority stake

Nov 13, 2025

Politics

Lucy Powell says Labour must stand by promise not to raise key taxes

New deputy leader also calls on government to lift two-child benefit cap urgently and in full

Nov 6, 2025

Politics

Reform’s public-sector pensions plan could cost billions extra, union warns

Prospect says proposals to make payouts less generous would damage public finances rather than save money

Nov 5, 2025

Politics

Ministers to delegate some public appointments in attempt to cut delays

Under shake-up affecting about 4,000 roles, officials will run more of hiring process but ministers can have final say

Oct 30, 2025

Politics

Reform UK would let ministers ignore international law, Kruger says

Party’s Doge chief says he would cut civil service and close six government offices – most of which are already closing

Oct 28, 2025

Government aims to create 400,000 jobs through UK national green energy plan

Scheme will offer training for plumbers, welders and carpenters as well as promoting trade union recognition

Oct 18, 2025

Politics

Robert Jenrick accused of fuelling ‘toxic nationalism’ with Birmingham claims

Shadow justice secretary stands by comments made in March amid criticism including from a Tory colleague

Oct 7, 2025

Politics

Badenoch defends Jenrick’s ‘no white faces’ comments about Birmingham

Tory leader says ‘nothing wrong with making observations’, after Jenrick said Handsworth was ‘as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country’

Oct 7, 2025

Politics

Badenoch defends Jenrick’s ‘no white faces in Birmingham’ comments

Tory leader says ‘nothing wrong with making observations’ after Jenrick said Handsworth was ‘one of worst integrated places I’ve ever been to’

Oct 7, 2025

Politics

Robert Jenrick complained of ‘not seeing another white face’ in Birmingham neighbourhood

Shadow justice secretary criticised for suggesting he could tell how integrated Handsworth was based on short visit

Oct 6, 2025

Politics

MPs’ pay watchdog to give public more of a say on how politicians are funded

Ipsa’s Karen Walker says that even after recent ‘big change’ to system there is still room for potential improvement

Oct 6, 2025