Ailbhe Rea
@pronouncedalva.bsky.social
Political Editor, New Statesman
Pinned
Ailbhe Rea
@pronouncedalva.bsky.social
· Sep 29
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
Angela Rayner and the soft left do not like the idea of a Wes Streeting coronation
Rayner has told friends she would stand in a leadership contest to stop him
This week's New Statesman column 👇🏻 www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
Rayner has told friends she would stand in a leadership contest to stop him
This week's New Statesman column 👇🏻 www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
Angela Rayner is Wes Streeting’s biggest obstacle to PM
But would she even want to be leader?
www.newstatesman.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Angela Rayner and the soft left do not like the idea of a Wes Streeting coronation
Rayner has told friends she would stand in a leadership contest to stop him
This week's New Statesman column 👇🏻 www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
Rayner has told friends she would stand in a leadership contest to stop him
This week's New Statesman column 👇🏻 www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
This week's New Statesman column is about what Angela Rayner is up to now, whether she wants to be leader, and the soft left's determination to stop Wes Streeting becoming PM
www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
Angela Rayner is Wes Streeting’s biggest obstacle to PM
But would she even want to be leader?
www.newstatesman.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:16 PM
This week's New Statesman column is about what Angela Rayner is up to now, whether she wants to be leader, and the soft left's determination to stop Wes Streeting becoming PM
www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
Lesson to me to use Bluesky more - so when my brilliant former boss writes nice things about me I actually see them!
Big up the Stephen Bush School of Journalism
Big up the Stephen Bush School of Journalism
Today I have mostly just stared uselessly at a blank screen, but two people who used to work for me have written fantastic columns and one person who still does wrote a great newsletter, so in a sense, I am winning.
November 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Lesson to me to use Bluesky more - so when my brilliant former boss writes nice things about me I actually see them!
Big up the Stephen Bush School of Journalism
Big up the Stephen Bush School of Journalism
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Doing a U-turn on a tax the market both wanted and expected on the day of the budget itself would have been absolute smackhead behaviour. From great piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/...
November 25, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Doing a U-turn on a tax the market both wanted and expected on the day of the budget itself would have been absolute smackhead behaviour. From great piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/...
Brilliant column from @anooshc.bsky.social - really, really worth a read
www.newstatesman.com/comment/2025...
www.newstatesman.com/comment/2025...
Labour has given up on integration
Shabana Mahmood's latest asylum plans prioritise return at the expense of integrating newcomers
www.newstatesman.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Brilliant column from @anooshc.bsky.social - really, really worth a read
www.newstatesman.com/comment/2025...
www.newstatesman.com/comment/2025...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
🚨Lots to discuss on this week's BBC Radio 4's #WeekInWestminster!
💷 budget @chriscurtis94.bsky.social @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social
📺 BBC Tina Stowell & Anna Sabine
⚖️ state of prisons @davidgauke.bsky.social
🌹Labour leadership @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
Ed: Harbinder Minhas
💷 budget @chriscurtis94.bsky.social @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social
📺 BBC Tina Stowell & Anna Sabine
⚖️ state of prisons @davidgauke.bsky.social
🌹Labour leadership @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
Ed: Harbinder Minhas
November 15, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🚨Lots to discuss on this week's BBC Radio 4's #WeekInWestminster!
💷 budget @chriscurtis94.bsky.social @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social
📺 BBC Tina Stowell & Anna Sabine
⚖️ state of prisons @davidgauke.bsky.social
🌹Labour leadership @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
Ed: Harbinder Minhas
💷 budget @chriscurtis94.bsky.social @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social
📺 BBC Tina Stowell & Anna Sabine
⚖️ state of prisons @davidgauke.bsky.social
🌹Labour leadership @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
Ed: Harbinder Minhas
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
The sign of quality of this piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social is that it was clearly written before the events this week but it holds up and still brings fresh insight
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:37 PM
The sign of quality of this piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social is that it was clearly written before the events this week but it holds up and still brings fresh insight
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Marvellous piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social , this: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Marvellous piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social , this: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
This is in the New Statesman today by Ailbhe Rea is well worth a read on the mood in the Parliamentary Labour Party
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:31 AM
This is in the New Statesman today by Ailbhe Rea is well worth a read on the mood in the Parliamentary Labour Party
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Quite a read, this by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Quite a read, this by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
“We are haemorrhaging votes to the Greens. The least we could do is just plant some fucking trees.”
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 AM
“We are haemorrhaging votes to the Greens. The least we could do is just plant some fucking trees.”
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Brilliant first @newstatesman1913.bsky.social cover story by our new political editor (and our old pal) @pronouncedalva.bsky.social:
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
How likely is that? There’s a great read from the new Stateman’s new pol ed @pronouncedalva.bsky.social, who is turning out to be an inspired hire, here www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:56 AM
How likely is that? There’s a great read from the new Stateman’s new pol ed @pronouncedalva.bsky.social, who is turning out to be an inspired hire, here www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
September 29, 2025 at 9:07 AM
I'm thrilled to announce I'm returning to the New Statesman as Political Editor in November. 🥳
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
An honour to step into @andrewmarr.bsky.social's legendary shoes as he becomes editor-at-large. Can't wait to get started with @tommctague.bsky.social and the whole team!
Keir Starmer under pressure from cabinet and Macron to recognise Palestine sooner.
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
July 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Keir Starmer under pressure from cabinet and Macron to recognise Palestine sooner.
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Streeting, Nandy, Benn and Mahmood urging in recent weeks.
Govt hasn't decided yet whether to join France in recognising Palestine in Sept.
w/ @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Gift link:
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Scoop: Keir Starmer has asked to be involved in policy-making earlier and to be given more detail following the welfare debacle, as allies say a cultural issue was developing in Number 10 where the PM was bounced into decisions.
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Ailbhe Rea: Keir Starmer Implements a Quiet Government Reset
It’s been two weeks since Keir Starmer’s government faced its moment of crisis, forced to gut its flagship welfare reforms after coming dangerously close to a staggering, almost unprecedented, defeat ...
www.bloomberg.com
July 23, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Scoop: Keir Starmer has asked to be involved in policy-making earlier and to be given more detail following the welfare debacle, as allies say a cultural issue was developing in Number 10 where the PM was bounced into decisions.
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Gift link 🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Labour is acting like everything's gone back to normal... but after last week, things are far from normal.
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Ailbhe Rea: Starmer’s Challenging Future Without a Policy Change
You almost wouldn’t know that last week Keir Starmer faced the worst crisis of his premiership. It’s a sunny day of full pomp and ceremony here in Westminster for the French state visit, and Emmanuel ...
www.bloomberg.com
July 9, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Labour is acting like everything's gone back to normal... but after last week, things are far from normal.
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Ministers, aides and MPs are now saying they expect a leadership challenge to Starmer next May if nothing changes.
I wrote last night's newsletter on what happens next. shorturl.at/SPgvi
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Benchmarks, from @philipjcowley.bsky.social, the professor of parliamentary rebellions at QMUL
June 30, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Benchmarks, from @philipjcowley.bsky.social, the professor of parliamentary rebellions at QMUL
SCOOP: Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray is moving into business - joining advisory firm Consello as its UK chair.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
June 11, 2025 at 10:53 AM
SCOOP: Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sue Gray is moving into business - joining advisory firm Consello as its UK chair.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
She will be in charge of the firm's expansion in the UK, starting immediately. She joins Gary Neville and Serena Williams (!) on the company's staff.
Scoop: The government is "very seriously considering" nationalising Chinese-owned British Steel, two sources tell Bloomberg, as it scrambles to save the last UK steelmaker from closure.
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Considers Taking Over China-Owned British Steel to Save Plant
The UK is seriously considering nationalizing Jingye Group’s British Steel, as ministers rush to rescue the country’s last steelmaker from the prospect of permanent closure.
www.bloomberg.com
April 8, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Scoop: The government is "very seriously considering" nationalising Chinese-owned British Steel, two sources tell Bloomberg, as it scrambles to save the last UK steelmaker from closure.
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
w/ @alexwickham.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Exclusive with @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Keir Starmer’s government is preparing to approve controversial expansions to three London airports as part of a push to spur growth that’s become more urgent this month after international markets ca...
www.bloomberg.com
January 20, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Exclusive with @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Poised to Back Heathrow Airport Expansion in Push for Growth
Gatwick, Luton projects also set for approval
As well as Lower Thames Crossing and Universal Studios theme park
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ailbhe Rea
Our weekend story with top team @joemayes.bsky.social @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social @lucygjwhite.bsky.social
NEW: Bloomberg Saturday read
Keir Starmer has triggered alarm across Labour over his poor performance in his first 5 months as PM, after Thursday’s reset speech flopped
His party wants bolder policies, a clearer purpose and much sharper messaging
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Keir Starmer has triggered alarm across Labour over his poor performance in his first 5 months as PM, after Thursday’s reset speech flopped
His party wants bolder policies, a clearer purpose and much sharper messaging
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Starmer Triggers Labour Alarm After Early Reset Bid Falls Flat
Keir Starmer is facing calls from across his Labour Party for bolder policies and sharper messaging to reconnect with voters, after a major speech aimed at rebooting his stuttering UK premiership flop...
www.bloomberg.com
December 7, 2024 at 11:23 AM
Our weekend story with top team @joemayes.bsky.social @pronouncedalva.bsky.social @ellenmilligan.bsky.social @lucygjwhite.bsky.social
Five missions
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
December 5, 2024 at 10:16 AM
Five missions
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
Six first steps
Two priorities
Six milestones
And a partridge in a pear tree
NEW Chris Wormald, currently permanent secretary at the health department, has been appointed the UK's top civil servant.
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Starmer Appoints Chris Wormald to Head UK’s Civil Service
Prime Minister Keir Starmer named Chris Wormald as the country’s top civil servant, promoting the veteran official in a move designed to bring stability to the top of government after a rocky first fi...
www.bloomberg.com
December 2, 2024 at 1:54 PM
NEW Chris Wormald, currently permanent secretary at the health department, has been appointed the UK's top civil servant.
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
He beat Tamara Finkelstein, Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo to the job. Probably most experienced, and also least well-known by the public.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Woop the Bloomberg lobby team is here! Welcome Alex Wickham @alexwickham.bsky.social and Ellen Milligan @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
November 26, 2024 at 2:28 PM
Woop the Bloomberg lobby team is here! Welcome Alex Wickham @alexwickham.bsky.social and Ellen Milligan @ellenmilligan.bsky.social
Hearing from several new Labour MPs who were previously minded to support the bill that they're now leaning against because they worry there aren't sufficient protections against coercion.
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
This Friday, I will be voting against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Here's why 👇
Here's why 👇
November 25, 2024 at 6:11 PM
Hearing from several new Labour MPs who were previously minded to support the bill that they're now leaning against because they worry there aren't sufficient protections against coercion.
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇
Lots of them are still undecided. But Jess Asato coming out to say she's voting against 👇