Colm Murphy
@colmpm.bsky.social
Historian of UK and ROI politics and political economy. Senior Lecturer at QMUL and Deputy Director of Mile End Institute (https://www.qmul.ac.uk/politics/staff/profiles/murphycolm.html). Book on Labour and 'modernisation' (https://tinyurl.com/37tzatvk).
I enjoyed a rare privilege today: seeing one of my new journal articles in print.
November 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM
I enjoyed a rare privilege today: seeing one of my new journal articles in print.
As Patrick Diamond and I wrote a few days ago for @renewaljournal.bsky.social.....
renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
November 14, 2025 at 12:22 PM
As Patrick Diamond and I wrote a few days ago for @renewaljournal.bsky.social.....
renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
They are needed because the ordinary tax payer also needs to pay more. Here, some old fashioned social-democratic arguments need to be made much more forcefully.
November 10, 2025 at 7:48 AM
They are needed because the ordinary tax payer also needs to pay more. Here, some old fashioned social-democratic arguments need to be made much more forcefully.
A "wealth tax" is a quagmire and probably won't solve the revenue problem. But better and higher taxes on the wealthy are absolutely essential for political as well as policy reasons.
November 10, 2025 at 7:48 AM
A "wealth tax" is a quagmire and probably won't solve the revenue problem. But better and higher taxes on the wealthy are absolutely essential for political as well as policy reasons.
Secondly, we shouldn't exaggerate the threat or misdiagnose the problem, but Reeves is right to care about the fiscal and bond market context.
But that is not a political argument that will fly. Nor will just blaming the last lot.
But that is not a political argument that will fly. Nor will just blaming the last lot.
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Secondly, we shouldn't exaggerate the threat or misdiagnose the problem, but Reeves is right to care about the fiscal and bond market context.
But that is not a political argument that will fly. Nor will just blaming the last lot.
But that is not a political argument that will fly. Nor will just blaming the last lot.
Firstly, if you have to break it, go hard or go home
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Firstly, if you have to break it, go hard or go home
Good piece as always by @katie0martin.ft.com on.ft.com/43NcG3R
As a historian, I differ in emphasis from this bit. We have of course used the "nuclear option" many times in the past (and the world didn't fall in). In the right political and geopolitical conditions, we may do so again.
As a historian, I differ in emphasis from this bit. We have of course used the "nuclear option" many times in the past (and the world didn't fall in). In the right political and geopolitical conditions, we may do so again.
November 5, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Good piece as always by @katie0martin.ft.com on.ft.com/43NcG3R
As a historian, I differ in emphasis from this bit. We have of course used the "nuclear option" many times in the past (and the world didn't fall in). In the right political and geopolitical conditions, we may do so again.
As a historian, I differ in emphasis from this bit. We have of course used the "nuclear option" many times in the past (and the world didn't fall in). In the right political and geopolitical conditions, we may do so again.
My reading plans have been foiled
October 25, 2025 at 11:33 AM
My reading plans have been foiled
Some interesting (if for me unsurprising) examples in the full report.
October 22, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Some interesting (if for me unsurprising) examples in the full report.
One of my issues with Politico is that its jaunty, gossipy tone jars with the dangerous turn in UK politics.
A "mostly clanger free conference"? A recording of the Shadow Justice Secretary complaining about seeing "no white faces" surfaced and was the talking point in interviews and coverage...
A "mostly clanger free conference"? A recording of the Shadow Justice Secretary complaining about seeing "no white faces" surfaced and was the talking point in interviews and coverage...
October 8, 2025 at 6:45 AM
One of my issues with Politico is that its jaunty, gossipy tone jars with the dangerous turn in UK politics.
A "mostly clanger free conference"? A recording of the Shadow Justice Secretary complaining about seeing "no white faces" surfaced and was the talking point in interviews and coverage...
A "mostly clanger free conference"? A recording of the Shadow Justice Secretary complaining about seeing "no white faces" surfaced and was the talking point in interviews and coverage...
These are particularly critical points that should be much better understood, not just by the government but also by political commentators, journalists, and broadcast bookers.
September 28, 2025 at 11:35 AM
These are particularly critical points that should be much better understood, not just by the government but also by political commentators, journalists, and broadcast bookers.
renewal.org.uk/blog/the-cho...
As I wrote over the summer, it is vital that the left does not confuse social democratic critiques of economic liberalism with a break from liberalism tour court.
As I wrote over the summer, it is vital that the left does not confuse social democratic critiques of economic liberalism with a break from liberalism tour court.
September 27, 2025 at 10:08 AM
renewal.org.uk/blog/the-cho...
As I wrote over the summer, it is vital that the left does not confuse social democratic critiques of economic liberalism with a break from liberalism tour court.
As I wrote over the summer, it is vital that the left does not confuse social democratic critiques of economic liberalism with a break from liberalism tour court.
I'm sorry to be so blunt but it is very important that when confronted with dangerously unhinged nonsense, which fuels sectarian conflict while pretending to abhor it, and which is credulous in the face of the far right, we don't mince our words.
September 27, 2025 at 10:08 AM
I'm sorry to be so blunt but it is very important that when confronted with dangerously unhinged nonsense, which fuels sectarian conflict while pretending to abhor it, and which is credulous in the face of the far right, we don't mince our words.
If I've got it right, the piece wants to square the circle of throwing off the (self-defeating, Goodhart rule proving) fiscal rules, while still retaining market credibility (at a time when the vibes are clearly bad). The solution is capital investment coupled with current spending discipline. (2/4)
September 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
If I've got it right, the piece wants to square the circle of throwing off the (self-defeating, Goodhart rule proving) fiscal rules, while still retaining market credibility (at a time when the vibes are clearly bad). The solution is capital investment coupled with current spending discipline. (2/4)
I'm reading John Major's speech to the Scottish CBI, six days before Black Wednesday.
It feels slightly mean to do so, even now.
johnmajorarchive.org.uk/1992/09/10/m...
It feels slightly mean to do so, even now.
johnmajorarchive.org.uk/1992/09/10/m...
September 19, 2025 at 1:38 PM
I'm reading John Major's speech to the Scottish CBI, six days before Black Wednesday.
It feels slightly mean to do so, even now.
johnmajorarchive.org.uk/1992/09/10/m...
It feels slightly mean to do so, even now.
johnmajorarchive.org.uk/1992/09/10/m...
Idly wondering about the long-term career prospects of certain advisors to the Tsar.
xcancel.com/SamCoatesSky... (I'm not on X anymore so this is how I can access Coates's tweets).
news.sky.com/story/no-10-...
xcancel.com/SamCoatesSky... (I'm not on X anymore so this is how I can access Coates's tweets).
news.sky.com/story/no-10-...
September 11, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Idly wondering about the long-term career prospects of certain advisors to the Tsar.
xcancel.com/SamCoatesSky... (I'm not on X anymore so this is how I can access Coates's tweets).
news.sky.com/story/no-10-...
xcancel.com/SamCoatesSky... (I'm not on X anymore so this is how I can access Coates's tweets).
news.sky.com/story/no-10-...
Anneliese Dodds speaking at the @renewaljournal.bsky.social Rita Hinden Lecture tonight. Her talk identifies the "tech bros", and the systems they oversee and interventions they make, as a threat to "free and fair democracy". She argues the left should focus strongly on protecting democracy.
September 9, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Anneliese Dodds speaking at the @renewaljournal.bsky.social Rita Hinden Lecture tonight. Her talk identifies the "tech bros", and the systems they oversee and interventions they make, as a threat to "free and fair democracy". She argues the left should focus strongly on protecting democracy.
I swung by here last night and asked them to put in a good word with the relevant faculty committee.
September 3, 2025 at 7:10 AM
I swung by here last night and asked them to put in a good word with the relevant faculty committee.
Barber ends by advocating both 'political judgement' and an understanding of 'economic incentives' for growth.
What does that actually look like? Are you sure they don't push in different directions? Given the state of public opinion and the mood in the PLP, I wouldn't rule it out.
What does that actually look like? Are you sure they don't push in different directions? Given the state of public opinion and the mood in the PLP, I wouldn't rule it out.
September 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Barber ends by advocating both 'political judgement' and an understanding of 'economic incentives' for growth.
What does that actually look like? Are you sure they don't push in different directions? Given the state of public opinion and the mood in the PLP, I wouldn't rule it out.
What does that actually look like? Are you sure they don't push in different directions? Given the state of public opinion and the mood in the PLP, I wouldn't rule it out.
More generally, the piece praises bold action: for Reeves to 'seize the moment'. But it can't decide on what. Taxes? 'confidence killer'. Borrowing? Will lead to higher inflation and interest rates. Tough spending cuts? 'unsustainable' politically, as winter fuel payments showed.
OK, what then?
OK, what then?
September 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
More generally, the piece praises bold action: for Reeves to 'seize the moment'. But it can't decide on what. Taxes? 'confidence killer'. Borrowing? Will lead to higher inflation and interest rates. Tough spending cuts? 'unsustainable' politically, as winter fuel payments showed.
OK, what then?
OK, what then?
Firstly, I don't think this is factually accurate. In the last Budget, Reeves tweaked the definitions of her fiscal rules in order to unlock major additional borrowing for capital. One can argue for more, but "refused to take the bait" implies nothing has been done. That's simply not true.
September 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Firstly, I don't think this is factually accurate. In the last Budget, Reeves tweaked the definitions of her fiscal rules in order to unlock major additional borrowing for capital. One can argue for more, but "refused to take the bait" implies nothing has been done. That's simply not true.
First things first, Barber is of course right that Labour's pre-election ruling out of the 'big three' has caused huge problems. And he is absolutely, 100% right that subsequent opportunities to move more boldly on direct taxation were missed. I agree and many others do.
However...
However...
September 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
First things first, Barber is of course right that Labour's pre-election ruling out of the 'big three' has caused huge problems. And he is absolutely, 100% right that subsequent opportunities to move more boldly on direct taxation were missed. I agree and many others do.
However...
However...