Alex Thomas
@alexgathomas.bsky.social
Institute for Government: civil service and all things effective government. Ex-Cabinet Office, Defra, Dept of Health
Novel but thought-provoking budget commentary
I reckon the evolutionary mechanisms that generate intelligent life also make it highly likely it destroys itself upsettingly soon after achieving industrialisation. hope everyone's having a good tuesday
November 25, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Novel but thought-provoking budget commentary
If one person says it’s raining, another says it’s not, you look out of the window. And if you see a Qatari jet given to a government, and a lot of other stuff, then…
NEWS --> BBC confirms to me that they did edit a line out of historian @rutgerbregman.com's speech. It called Trump "the most openly corrupt president in US history."
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Trump’s Fury at BBC Gets Unnerving Results with Pro-MAGA Edit Stunner
First, British Broadcasting Corporation execs resigned after Trump complained about a segment. Now the BBC edited out a line from a historian that was critical of Trump. Where does this end?
newrepublic.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:34 PM
If one person says it’s raining, another says it’s not, you look out of the window. And if you see a Qatari jet given to a government, and a lot of other stuff, then…
Reposted by Alex Thomas
In a new departure, we @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are going to be live blogging the Budget all through tomorrow. The live blog is now live and we will be sharing our pre-Budget thoughts there, followed by responses once we hear the CX's speech www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
LIVE BLOG | Autumn budget 2025: Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures | Institute for Government
IfG experts analyse Reeves' budget and explore what the chancellor's plans for the economy, tax and spending mean.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
In a new departure, we @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are going to be live blogging the Budget all through tomorrow. The live blog is now live and we will be sharing our pre-Budget thoughts there, followed by responses once we hear the CX's speech www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
November 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Reposted by Alex Thomas
It remains insane to me that DOGE was treated at the time as an impressive shock and awe accomplishment - “you can’t deny he’s getting stuff done!” - and then instantly memory holed by the press once if became clear it was a total failure by every possible standard including Musk’s own
Difficult to overstate how profound a failure DOGE was. Spending in FY2025 was not only than in FY2024 – but higher than it was projected to be when Trump first took office.*
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
Bye bye, “DOGE”.
It no longer exists as a “centralized entity”, according to the Office of Personnel Management.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
It no longer exists as a “centralized entity”, according to the Office of Personnel Management.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
November 23, 2025 at 3:52 PM
It remains insane to me that DOGE was treated at the time as an impressive shock and awe accomplishment - “you can’t deny he’s getting stuff done!” - and then instantly memory holed by the press once if became clear it was a total failure by every possible standard including Musk’s own
Reposted by Alex Thomas
TOMORROW | The Covid Inquiry: What does Module II say about government decision making and political governance?
Join us at 12:30 as @timdurrant.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social unpack the inquiry's findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
Join us at 12:30 as @timdurrant.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social unpack the inquiry's findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
November 20, 2025 at 9:57 AM
TOMORROW | The Covid Inquiry: What does Module II say about government decision making and political governance?
Join us at 12:30 as @timdurrant.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social unpack the inquiry's findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
Join us at 12:30 as @timdurrant.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social unpack the inquiry's findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
Just us GALS
It has come to my attention that the new 'growth and living standards' committee is in fact the GALS committee. I hope the gals have fun.
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
November 19, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Just us GALS
New cabinet committees announced today - here’s @hannahkeenan.bsky.social take ⬇️
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
List of Cabinet Committees and their membership
www.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 5:42 PM
New cabinet committees announced today - here’s @hannahkeenan.bsky.social take ⬇️
“It would be good to think that Sir Keir read the Institute for Government’s March 2024 report on reforming the centre of government. His failure to grip these issues last July or since suggests he did not.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on 10 Downing Street: not up to the job | Editorial
Editorial: The Labour leadership briefing furore highlights failures at the centre of government. Keir Starmer needs to raise his game
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
“It would be good to think that Sir Keir read the Institute for Government’s March 2024 report on reforming the centre of government. His failure to grip these issues last July or since suggests he did not.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Alex Thomas
Answer is to de-duplicate in the centre, restore coherence and authority. Have big figures who can crack heads together and are able to pursue govt’s agenda
November 13, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Answer is to de-duplicate in the centre, restore coherence and authority. Have big figures who can crack heads together and are able to pursue govt’s agenda
Good
November 13, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Good
I don’t think it’s the write-round system that’s the main problem. Sure, speed it up, but write-rounds can be signed off in hours (or 30 minutes I think was my fastest). By all means do that. But our constitution does require collective cabinet sign-off and that needs to be managed somehow
November 13, 2025 at 8:40 PM
I don’t think it’s the write-round system that’s the main problem. Sure, speed it up, but write-rounds can be signed off in hours (or 30 minutes I think was my fastest). By all means do that. But our constitution does require collective cabinet sign-off and that needs to be managed somehow
Struck by BBC DG & cabinet secretary parallels
Both high scrutiny
Both two jobs bolted together (DG editor-in-chief & CEO, cab sec main adviser to PM & head of the civil service)
Both kept together because a perceived need for one top person
Different parts of both jobs need v different skills
Both high scrutiny
Both two jobs bolted together (DG editor-in-chief & CEO, cab sec main adviser to PM & head of the civil service)
Both kept together because a perceived need for one top person
Different parts of both jobs need v different skills
Running the [insert]* has become an impossible job on.ft.com/4oE2cwk
*BBC
*ONS
*British Library
*country
*BBC
*ONS
*British Library
*country
Running the BBC has become an impossible job
The broadcaster should rethink the role of director-general and reclaim editorial independence
on.ft.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Struck by BBC DG & cabinet secretary parallels
Both high scrutiny
Both two jobs bolted together (DG editor-in-chief & CEO, cab sec main adviser to PM & head of the civil service)
Both kept together because a perceived need for one top person
Different parts of both jobs need v different skills
Both high scrutiny
Both two jobs bolted together (DG editor-in-chief & CEO, cab sec main adviser to PM & head of the civil service)
Both kept together because a perceived need for one top person
Different parts of both jobs need v different skills
Reposted by Alex Thomas
PODCAST 🎙️ Keir Starmer’s government: Traitors or Faithfuls?
What do the media briefings against Wes Streeting say about how No.10 is working – or not?
@cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social discuss www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
What do the media briefings against Wes Streeting say about how No.10 is working – or not?
@cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social discuss www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Keir Starmer’s government: Traitors or Faithfuls? | Institute for Government
The IfG podcast team explore what the anonymous briefings to the media against cabinet ministers tell us about how No.10 is working.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
PODCAST 🎙️ Keir Starmer’s government: Traitors or Faithfuls?
What do the media briefings against Wes Streeting say about how No.10 is working – or not?
@cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social discuss www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
What do the media briefings against Wes Streeting say about how No.10 is working – or not?
@cathhaddon.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social discuss www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
I think the most important words in this story are
“Retaking this decision should not be taken as an indication that government will necessarily decide that it should award financial redress”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“Retaking this decision should not be taken as an indication that government will necessarily decide that it should award financial redress”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government to rethink rejection of Waspi compensation
Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden says that the rethink does not mean that payouts will necessarily follow.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I think the most important words in this story are
“Retaking this decision should not be taken as an indication that government will necessarily decide that it should award financial redress”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“Retaking this decision should not be taken as an indication that government will necessarily decide that it should award financial redress”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Fast streamers and those interested in the fast stream and civil service recruitment - come to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk next week!
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
November 11, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Fast streamers and those interested in the fast stream and civil service recruitment - come to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk next week!
Reposted by Alex Thomas
The BBC is surely big enough, strong enough, credible enough, respected enough, reflective enough, has wide enough reach and a strong enough history to stand up for itself, while acknowledging room to improve. And never kowtowing or denying facts
November 10, 2025 at 10:43 PM
The BBC is surely big enough, strong enough, credible enough, respected enough, reflective enough, has wide enough reach and a strong enough history to stand up for itself, while acknowledging room to improve. And never kowtowing or denying facts
I know BBC coverage of the BBC is always ‘Jacobs by Marc Jacobs by Jacobs’… but on days like today I think the news / management separation is clear, admirable, important and unusual
November 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM
I know BBC coverage of the BBC is always ‘Jacobs by Marc Jacobs by Jacobs’… but on days like today I think the news / management separation is clear, admirable, important and unusual
Goodness me this is wonderful. Think I’ll have to read at least twice more
on.ft.com/47M4tyi Bridget Riley: ‘I want my paintings to make people feel alive’
on.ft.com/47M4tyi Bridget Riley: ‘I want my paintings to make people feel alive’
Bridget Riley: ‘I want my paintings to make people feel alive’
The 94-year-old doyenne of British abstract art on influences from Seurat to Mondrian, her wartime childhood in Cornwall — and ‘the healing power of looking’
on.ft.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Goodness me this is wonderful. Think I’ll have to read at least twice more
on.ft.com/47M4tyi Bridget Riley: ‘I want my paintings to make people feel alive’
on.ft.com/47M4tyi Bridget Riley: ‘I want my paintings to make people feel alive’
Reposted by Alex Thomas
📸Snapshots | Leadership change in the civil service: How can new permanent secretaries deliver for government?
A big thank you to our panel:
Atul Devani, John-Paul Marks CB, Baroness Gisela Stuart and
@alexgathomas.bsky.social
Watch back the event
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
A big thank you to our panel:
Atul Devani, John-Paul Marks CB, Baroness Gisela Stuart and
@alexgathomas.bsky.social
Watch back the event
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
November 7, 2025 at 10:19 AM
📸Snapshots | Leadership change in the civil service: How can new permanent secretaries deliver for government?
A big thank you to our panel:
Atul Devani, John-Paul Marks CB, Baroness Gisela Stuart and
@alexgathomas.bsky.social
Watch back the event
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
A big thank you to our panel:
Atul Devani, John-Paul Marks CB, Baroness Gisela Stuart and
@alexgathomas.bsky.social
Watch back the event
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
Reposted by Alex Thomas
WEBINAR | The Covid Inquiry: What does Module II say about government decision making and political governance?
Join our IfG experts webinar to unpack the Covid Inquiry's findings and explore their implications for future governance.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
Join our IfG experts webinar to unpack the Covid Inquiry's findings and explore their implications for future governance.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
November 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
WEBINAR | The Covid Inquiry: What does Module II say about government decision making and political governance?
Join our IfG experts webinar to unpack the Covid Inquiry's findings and explore their implications for future governance.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
Join our IfG experts webinar to unpack the Covid Inquiry's findings and explore their implications for future governance.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
“These are not the actions of mature adults. They are examples of crude people displaying their incompetence as they flail about in jobs—including the presidency—for which they are not qualified.”
Trump’s voters have become like the members of the administration, delighting in the crassness and obscenity that pours out of the president and his circle whenever they are challenged. But policies suffer and the public is poorly served.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
A Confederacy of Toddlers
The Trump administration is a regime of troubled children.
www.theatlantic.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:33 PM
“These are not the actions of mature adults. They are examples of crude people displaying their incompetence as they flail about in jobs—including the presidency—for which they are not qualified.”
Reposted by Alex Thomas
Our event Leadership change in the civil service: How can new permanent secretaries deliver for government?
is happening today!
Join us in person or online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
is happening today!
Join us in person or online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
November 3, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Our event Leadership change in the civil service: How can new permanent secretaries deliver for government?
is happening today!
Join us in person or online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
is happening today!
Join us in person or online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/leader...
Reposted by Alex Thomas
The Cabinet Office has relaxed the rules on civil servants speaking in public. The government is still too defensive about who can speak, but this is a positive step, say @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
A welcome clarification on the rules ‘gagging’ civil servants | Institute for Government
New guidance on civil servants speaking in public is a welcome return to common sense.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The Cabinet Office has relaxed the rules on civil servants speaking in public. The government is still too defensive about who can speak, but this is a positive step, say @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...