Rebecca McKee
Senior Researcher at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk working across constitution/parliament and local growth/regional economic policy.
Former academic and citizens' assembly organiser 🫶
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeReally enjoyed this week’s @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast with man-of-the-moment @pickardje.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social Listen to hear Jim’s inside account of how he got such a series of mega-scoops podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeWhat does government need to function more effectively at the centre and support long‑term growth? Our latest report by @gilesyb.bsky.social explores reforms, roles and coordination across Whitehall. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeRemarkable stat from the latest report on R&R: "Between 2021/22 and 2023/24 reactive maintenance tasks increased by 70%" (Report here committees.parliament.uk/publications...)
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeOn 14 January Wes Streeting said that waiting lists had fallen three times faster in 20 areas of the country where crack teams had been deployed. We’ve looked at this claim and have questions. 🧵 www.gov.uk/government/n...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKee"You're asking them to make a really big, complicated, political, economic calculus about where their diminishing political capital should go. You can't do that with three or four people." ICYMI @gilesyb.bsky.social discussed how the centre can design better growth policy on Inside Briefing.
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeSince reforms made in 2014 and 2015, there is now a mechanism for suspending or expelling a member of the Lords from the House for certain reasons and if specific conditions are met. This would NOT, however, deprive somebody of their title. That would require legislation.
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeRemoving titles and removing membership of the House of Lords are not the same thing, I mutter to myself for the nth time today
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeLabour has set itself the mission of markedly raising the UK’s growth rate. In our latest report, @gilesyb.bsky.social says the government is right to be ambitious – and explores what the centre can do to design better growth policy www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeNEW | Improving transport connectivity is one of the central policy objectives of mayors across England. So what approaches have been tried – and what lessons can mayors and strategic authorities learn from each other? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeMy take on the government's plan for police reform: a welcome attempt at ambitious, long-term change – but one that risks making police leadership and accountability too remote from local areas 🧵 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeParliament Acts are rarely used but I’m not sure I’d call them archaic- anyway, here’s some more detail on what they are and how they work www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pa...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeToday the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill - granting priority for training to UK & Irish medical school graduates - will be fast-tracked through the Commons in one sitting. Why is it being fast-tracked, and is it an appropriate procedure? 🧵 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeGovernment taskforces are not a long-term solution for the problems facing the state Darren Jones needs a plan for long-term reforms, as well as short-term delivery, says @hannahkeenan.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeON THE BLOG: Why we need to strengthen and codify small party rights in the House of Commons Louise Thompson explains the obstacles facing small parties and calls on parliamentary institutions to formalise informal arrangements and consider ways to increase equalities of opportunity for all parties
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeShort comment from me about SEND reform: Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive. Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeToday, in her keynote speech at the Institute for Government, the FM set out her vision for the future of devolution in Wales, including some of the IfG's favourite topics: the Barnett formula and intergovernmental relations. 🧵below on some of the key points and where you can find out more.
- Me: Absolutely ridiculous that this is how we handle MPs resigning in 2026 Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
- Tldr MPs can't 'resign' from parliament. This is one of two positions MPs can be given which effectively disqualify them from being an MP. By-election happens, new MP is elected, everything is right again.
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeIn west London for @darrenpjones.bsky.social speech on reforming government An audience of politicians, the media, think tankers and the like. As far as I can see no cabinet secretary or perm secs… not a great signal for what comes next
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeAt what3words for Darren Jones speech on 'Move fast and fix things: modernising Whitehall to deliver for Britain' @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's Hannah White asks what will make this attempt at reform different - says what matters is what comes next
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeSince the 2024 general election, 11 ministers have resigned from Keir Starmer’s government. Which ministers have resigned and why? New explainer by @meganbryer.bsky.social is out now! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/expl...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeAfter Darren Jones joined IfG this week, @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and I had some thoughts about how he can make good on his plans for reforming the state: - show that his plan is different to those that have come before - ensure he's not spreading himself too thinly - set a clear vision
- After a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeFollowing some recent high-profile political defections, @alfiesteer.bsky.social and Dr @emmapeplow.bsky.social have delved into the History of Parliament's #OralHistory archive to explore some historical cases of MPs who 'crossed the floor' and changed their party affiliation.
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeAfter a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
- Niche but interesting alert! The Committee on Standards has made a recommendation about the register of interests of MPs' staff It highlights the difficult balance between transparency, accountability & security interests but also possibly narrows the use of the register in an unsatisfactory way
- The register is a list of names of all staff with a pass sponsored by an MP, and certain relevant employment, gifts or benefits they receive. Changes mean this will include all staff with access to the network, more than double the current list - essentially extending to constituency based staff
- Expanding the list raises security and safety concerns for constituency staff who are not currently identifiable by name, unless they or the MP choose to do so. The decision of the committee is that in expanding the list, they remove staff names from the list and replace them with job titles.
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View full threadIf you are also interested in MPs staff...I have a 2023 report on who they are, and what they do. Parliament still needs to do much more to be open about MPs' staff, the important work they do and the roles they play - they are a key but often missed part of the story of how MPs do their jobs.
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeDHSC published its impact statement for the 10 Year Health Plan this week (yes, that is 6 months after it published the plan) It's more measured and clear-eyed than the original document and quite a contrast to some of the effusive optimism in the plan Some of the things that caught my eye 👇
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeA great thread from @cassiarowland.bsky.social - one of these inaccuracies is the q of the use of AI. Our recent Whitehall Monitor AI chapter emphasises that these new tools do not exist in a void; existing systems must adapt to mitigate new risks www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeBREAKING Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick from the shadow cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership. She says she was "presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect" to Reform
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeGoing to tell people in the South that this is actually what the North looks like
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeAt the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference, Darren Jones sets out what his role is all about: recognising that delivery is different to policy, getting comms clear about government successes, and exercising the authority of the PM across the system
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeWes Streeting: It does the centre-left "no favours" blaming the civil service for struggles to deliver in government "If we tell the public that we can’t make anything work, then why on earth would they vote to keep us in charge?" @matildamartin.bsky.social reports
- The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual stocktake and analysis of the civil service is out today! There's loads to dive into from this huge cross IfG effort, led by my fantastic colleague @hannahkeenan.bsky.social
- 📢NEW REPORT📢 Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today. If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeReposting our IfG starter pack - ahead of our conference tomorrow, make sure you're following all my fantastic colleagues:
- New to Bluesky? Or just interested in the workings of government in the UK? Check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk starter pack here - find all my fantastic colleagues and follow for their insight and analysis go.bsky.app/P7JZCHat://did:plc:d656x5rt365ylfpbzpwgpl4i/app.bsky.graph.starterpack/3l7qexd4bmu2x
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeHard work and time matter—but they’re not enough. In 2026, Keir Starmer must set out a clear, positive vision for the future, backed by real plans and delivered by capable leadership. @drhannahwhite.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/keir...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeNew to Bluesky? Or just interested in the workings of government in the UK? Check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk starter pack here - find all my fantastic colleagues and follow for their insight and analysis go.bsky.app/P7JZCHat://did:plc:d656x5rt365ylfpbzpwgpl4i/app.bsky.graph.starterpack/3l7qexd4bmu2x
- Looking forward to this, one for @studyofparl.bsky.social and others interested in the role parliaments play during crises and emergencies.
- What role should parliaments play before, during, and after a crisis or emergency? With the Institute for Government and the UCL Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism, we have put together an amazing lineup. /1 @efieldingd.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeReally looking forward to this event in a couple of weeks - info on how to join us in Paolo's posts below:
- What role should parliaments play before, during, and after a crisis or emergency? With the Institute for Government and the UCL Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism, we have put together an amazing lineup. /1 @efieldingd.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeFantastic line-up for our big @instituteforgovernment.org.uk conference next week, including Darren Jones, Chief Sec to the PM, talking about his unique role in government. All the info on how to join us is here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
- The government set up 7 new public inquiries in 2025 Which means as we start 2026 there are 27 public inquiries currently underway (21 statutory inquiries) This is a huge number, at the start of 2016 there were only 10 public inquiries ongoing
- In 2026 we are expecting several of these ongoing inquiries to publish their final report including the Post Office Inquiry, Thirlwall Inquiry & Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry There will also be further module reports from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry throughout the year A full list in this explainer
- Efforts will then turn to implementing the recommendations But ministers also need to think carefully about how they establish new inquiries so they are set up to succeed and are clear about what they are trying to achieve We cover this crucial initial stage in our our recent report
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeA reminder for anyone new to Bluesky (or who just wants to follow more policy wonks here) that I've made a starter pack of all the think tanks I've spotted on the platform and the researchers working at them (if you're missing and want adding in let me know!) - go.bsky.app/Geu9Jd8
- Reposted by Rebecca McKee[Not loaded yet]
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeePublic inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
- New comment ✍️ From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today "Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems - Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
- 📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
- 📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
- The government’s announcement of seven new inquiries this year means a record 27 are currently underway They're costing more too - since 2005, completed inquiries have cost over £730m. The Covid-19 Inquiry alone has spent £192m and will soon surpass the record £200m spent on the Saville Inquiry
- Inquiries themselves are often (fairly) criticised for being overly legalistic & poorly designed to achieve policy change. But government ministers also need to take responsibility, their early decisions (in setting the purpose, scope, powers & chair) shape much of what follows
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View full threadMinisters need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up. The gvt should: -Update the Cabinet Manual with detailed guidance -Introduce a new framework of inquiries to guide decision making -Be more proactive in gathering and analysing evidence on what works
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeNEW | How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKee🧵 Thread on new research on gender gaps in “don’t know” responses Some of you will know that my stellar coauthors @hannahbunting.bsky.social @cerifowler.bsky.social @jess-smith.bsky.social @annasanders.bsky.social & I have been working on a large-scale project on “don’t know” responses in surveys.
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeLast week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers. My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKee🎄 🎶Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect and a House of Lords battle renewed 🎶 🎄 @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social and @rebeccamckee.bsky.social on this week’s Inside Briefing podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
- We've got some fascinating new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Ministers Reflect interviews out! Great thread below from my colleague @meganbryer.bsky.social with some of the highlights...
- Excited to publish our latest batch of Ministers Reflect interviews! We spoke with former health secretary and chancellor Sajid Javid, former Wales secretary and chief whip Simon Hart, and former Defra secretary Theresa Villiers. Some highlights… www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeThis letter from former Cabinet Secretaries and others is straightforwardly wrong regarding the constitutional role of the House of Lords relative to the role of the Commons. /1
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeThe @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s Week in Public Services blog is back! This week I looked at the Budget’s place-based budget pilots, jury trial restrictions, and Ofsted’s concerns on children’s social care. Some thoughts below. medium.com/week-in-publ...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeThe government’s decision to delay mayoral elections cannot be justified on democratic or fairness grounds Our IfG devolution experts react to the announcement that May 2026 elections for new mayors will be postponed to 2028 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
- The government's decision to delay the 2026 mayoral elections in DPP areas is truly baffling and v disappointing Excellent analysis in this from @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKee1/ At the IfG, we have been following the government’s announcements on digital ID closely. Last month, we were joined by an expert panel to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing the policy. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeLots of things came out of the most recent covid inquiry report - here's my and @sophiedaud.bsky.social's views on what it says about ministerial leadership during crises, new today for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
- New comment from me and @sophiedaud.bsky.social discussing the valuable work of minsters' private office, the need for more support AND launching our private office induction workshops The first workshop is 18th December, more details on our website www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm...
- I've been fortunate enough this week to speak on two panels on topics I really care about and with excellent co-panellists. My job is great I love it. But...my main reflection is ohmygod Rebecca why on earth can't you keep your hands in one place?!
- I really enjoyed this panel yesterday so interesting to hear from Tom Walker and Mayor Claire Ward in two areas that are forging ahead There's lots to learn from the different approaches in different places, always fascinating to be part of that conversation. Thanks to @uniofsurrey.bsky.social !
- TODAY | Devolving growth: What are the challenges and opportunities for new strategic authorities? Join us at 11:00 when our expert panel feat. @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social explore how new strategic authorities can deliver growth www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devolv...
- You can catch up on the event now on youtube or soundcloud - links on our webpage! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devolv...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeThe 'clogging up' of A+Es is not due to the 2% of people coming to ED with this quite arbitrary list of conditions. The main reason they're clogged is poor flow through hospitals! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeThe govt appears committed to driving forward digital IDs - the responsibility for the scheme now sits in the Cabinet Office, led by Darren Jones, and was described by Liz Kendall in the science, innovation and technology committee today as one of the PM's "top priorities" (1/4)
- Reposted by Rebecca McKeeGovernment 2026: IfG's annual conference 🚨 Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months. Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern... With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
