Blogs

Britain’s high streets are changing, but rising footfall does not always tell the full story. Supported by Deliveroo, our latest report for the Boosting Britain's High Streets campaign sets out how tech and innovation can support vibrant, resilient town centres across the country.

The markets barely blinked at John Healey’s Budget. That may have been exactly the point. With Labour regaining political momentum, could this cautious Budget be laying the groundwork for an early general election? Our Head of Public Affairs, George Beard, examines the political calculations behind the announcements.

Andrew Credgington, our Lead Digital Campaigner, rounds off party conference season by reflecting on his time at Conservative Party conference. Just two years ago, the party lost their leadership in a landslide election to Labour. Now, as the Conservatives climb back up the polls, Andrew assesses whether Kemi's way will lead the party all the way.

Pierre Shepherd, our Senior Account Manager and Head of Policy and Engagement at the Policy Liaison Group on Sustainable Growth, reflects on this year’s Green Party Conference in Brighton. He explores a party growing in political confidence and electoral ambition, but still wrestling with questions over its strategic direction, policy depth and whether Labour or Reform UK represents its most important political opponent.

Andy Burnham’s first Labour Conference speech as leader offered a clear vision for the country, built around a message of hope. But with the Budget approaching and difficult economic choices ahead, that optimism will soon face the realities of governing. Alfie Owen examines the contrast between Burnham’s vision and John Healey’s more cautious message, and considers what it will take for Labour to turn hope into something tangible.

Lloyd Lewis-Protheroe looks at Andy Burnham’s early months in Downing Street and asks whether his politics of optimism can withstand the harder realities of government. From public spending and taxation to immigration and geopolitical pressures, he explores the challenges now confronting the Prime Minister.

After a few days in Brighton, Gabriella Franklin and Katharine Quigg consider the criticism facing Sir Ed Davey, what the party actually spent its conference talking about and the curious position of the Liberal Democrats in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.