Tim Durrant
@timdurrant.bsky.social
Programme Director at the Institute for Government - interested in how government works and how it can work better
🏳️🌈
🏳️🌈
Reposted by Tim Durrant
The workload facing MPs and their staff is growing, in ways that aren't visible to the public: casework and the inbox.
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
Casework Crisis: Increase In Constituency Caseload Takes Its Toll
The inexorable growth in casework is stopping MPs from fulfilling their other roles. Alice Lilly sifts through the inbox looking for what might be ...
www.politicshome.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:37 PM
The workload facing MPs and their staff is growing, in ways that aren't visible to the public: casework and the inbox.
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
For @thehousemag.bsky.social, I delved into what the workload looks like, why it's growing, and what this means for how MPs can balance the different aspects of their role
All you need to know from Megan on the latest ministerial direction, and how it compares with others
Cat Little requested a direction from the PM on the grounds of propriety and value for money. Given the seniority of the cabinet secretary role and since Cat Little reported to Wormald, she argued that the PM's authorisation was required to approve the severance package.
February 17, 2026 at 1:45 PM
All you need to know from Megan on the latest ministerial direction, and how it compares with others
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Yesterday, the PM issued a ministerial direction to Cabinet Office perm sec Cat Little relating to Chris Wormald's severance package after he stepped down as cabinet secretary.
Why was a ministerial direction needed? Thread below and our updated explainer has all you need to know:
Why was a ministerial direction needed? Thread below and our updated explainer has all you need to know:
Ministerial directions | Institute for Government
Ministerial directions are formal instructions telling departments to proceed with a spending proposal, despite objection from permanent secretaries.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Yesterday, the PM issued a ministerial direction to Cabinet Office perm sec Cat Little relating to Chris Wormald's severance package after he stepped down as cabinet secretary.
Why was a ministerial direction needed? Thread below and our updated explainer has all you need to know:
Why was a ministerial direction needed? Thread below and our updated explainer has all you need to know:
Reposted by Tim Durrant
The government has withdrawn plans to delay elections in 30 areas undergoing local government reorganisation.
So where will local elections now take place? We've updated our local elections 2026 explainer www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
So where will local elections now take place? We've updated our local elections 2026 explainer www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
Local elections 2026 | Institute for Government
On Thursday, 7 May 2026, local elections will take place in many parts of England.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 9:28 AM
The government has withdrawn plans to delay elections in 30 areas undergoing local government reorganisation.
So where will local elections now take place? We've updated our local elections 2026 explainer www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
So where will local elections now take place? We've updated our local elections 2026 explainer www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Yesterday the Cabinet Office published the ministerial direction on Chris Wormald's exit payment 👇
This has been discussed a bit in the media, mainly in terms of 'civil service tried to block the huge payout'
A few points on this..
www.gov.uk/government/p...
This has been discussed a bit in the media, mainly in terms of 'civil service tried to block the huge payout'
A few points on this..
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Cabinet Secretary: ministerial direction
Letters requesting and confirming the ministerial direction relating to the outgoing Cabinet Secretary.
www.gov.uk
February 17, 2026 at 10:47 AM
Yesterday the Cabinet Office published the ministerial direction on Chris Wormald's exit payment 👇
This has been discussed a bit in the media, mainly in terms of 'civil service tried to block the huge payout'
A few points on this..
www.gov.uk/government/p...
This has been discussed a bit in the media, mainly in terms of 'civil service tried to block the huge payout'
A few points on this..
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
So I don't think this should be seen as officials trying to block the payment, or 'refusing to sign off' as such.
Directions are a perfectly normal and healthy part of government - and should be seen as such!
Directions are a perfectly normal and healthy part of government - and should be seen as such!
February 17, 2026 at 10:47 AM
So I don't think this should be seen as officials trying to block the payment, or 'refusing to sign off' as such.
Directions are a perfectly normal and healthy part of government - and should be seen as such!
Directions are a perfectly normal and healthy part of government - and should be seen as such!
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Earlier the government reversed its decision to delay elections in 30 areas across England. This is a welcome decision. At the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk we've previously argued elections should only be delayed in exceptional circumstances.
February 16, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Earlier the government reversed its decision to delay elections in 30 areas across England. This is a welcome decision. At the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk we've previously argued elections should only be delayed in exceptional circumstances.
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Interesting piece from @benjudah.bsky.social - the latest former spad to reflect on the problems with the systems they grappled with in government.
As he says, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and others have long been making the case for far-reaching reform...
As he says, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and others have long been making the case for far-reaching reform...
The state is failing — No 10 needs an overhaul
The state is failing — No 10 needs an overhaul
www.thetimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Interesting piece from @benjudah.bsky.social - the latest former spad to reflect on the problems with the systems they grappled with in government.
As he says, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and others have long been making the case for far-reaching reform...
As he says, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and others have long been making the case for far-reaching reform...
Lots here to agree with (not just as it cites @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's work on the centre).
But the last point is key- without a clear vision from the PM, no matter how you restructure No10 or how many more spads you appoint, govt can't get things done.
Everything else flows from that...
But the last point is key- without a clear vision from the PM, no matter how you restructure No10 or how many more spads you appoint, govt can't get things done.
Everything else flows from that...
The state is failing — No 10 needs an overhaul
The state is failing — No 10 needs an overhaul
www.thetimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Lots here to agree with (not just as it cites @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's work on the centre).
But the last point is key- without a clear vision from the PM, no matter how you restructure No10 or how many more spads you appoint, govt can't get things done.
Everything else flows from that...
But the last point is key- without a clear vision from the PM, no matter how you restructure No10 or how many more spads you appoint, govt can't get things done.
Everything else flows from that...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
shameless plug but hey, if anyone wants to know what is getting formally reported, our tool Open Access you search via company.
I'll let others be the judge if 7 meetings - and just 4 since Labour formed Gov - is accurate...
openaccess.transparency.org.uk
I'll let others be the judge if 7 meetings - and just 4 since Labour formed Gov - is accurate...
openaccess.transparency.org.uk
Open Access UK: monitor lobbying meetings with in the UK
Who’s #lobbying the UK? Check Open Access UK
openaccess.transparency.org.uk
February 16, 2026 at 10:47 AM
shameless plug but hey, if anyone wants to know what is getting formally reported, our tool Open Access you search via company.
I'll let others be the judge if 7 meetings - and just 4 since Labour formed Gov - is accurate...
openaccess.transparency.org.uk
I'll let others be the judge if 7 meetings - and just 4 since Labour formed Gov - is accurate...
openaccess.transparency.org.uk
Reposted by Tim Durrant
What does the next cabinet secretary need to do that Sir Chris Wormald didn't?
@alexgathomas.bsky.social discusses on Inside Briefing, featuring @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social and former Downing St chief of staff Gavin Barwell www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
@alexgathomas.bsky.social discusses on Inside Briefing, featuring @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social and former Downing St chief of staff Gavin Barwell www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
February 13, 2026 at 2:35 PM
What does the next cabinet secretary need to do that Sir Chris Wormald didn't?
@alexgathomas.bsky.social discusses on Inside Briefing, featuring @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social and former Downing St chief of staff Gavin Barwell www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
@alexgathomas.bsky.social discusses on Inside Briefing, featuring @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social and former Downing St chief of staff Gavin Barwell www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
With central government set to decide new local authority boundaries by March for devolution priority areas - and by the summer for others - join us on 26 February to explore how ministers should decide the shape and size of future unitary authorities.
Details and sign‑up link below.👇
Details and sign‑up link below.👇
EVENT | How should ministers decide the size and shape of new unitary authorities?
📅 Thursday 26 February, 12:30–13:30
Join us for the first event in our 'Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation' series www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/minist...
📅 Thursday 26 February, 12:30–13:30
Join us for the first event in our 'Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation' series www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/minist...
February 13, 2026 at 11:11 AM
With central government set to decide new local authority boundaries by March for devolution priority areas - and by the summer for others - join us on 26 February to explore how ministers should decide the shape and size of future unitary authorities.
Details and sign‑up link below.👇
Details and sign‑up link below.👇
Fascinating- under current rules, all ministers' meetings should be registered. And all consultant lobbyists, like Global Counsel, have to register with the official Registrar and declare all instances of lobbying ministers and perm secs.
So is this acceptance that the current schemes don't work?
So is this acceptance that the current schemes don't work?
Exclusive:
Ministers and civil servants have been told to report any future conversations with Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Lord Peter Mandelson, in the latest fallout from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein
www.ft.com/content/124e...
Ministers and civil servants have been told to report any future conversations with Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Lord Peter Mandelson, in the latest fallout from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein
www.ft.com/content/124e...
Whitehall told to report conversations with Mandelson lobbying firm
Guidance on Global Counsel is latest fallout from ties between former minister and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
www.ft.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Fascinating- under current rules, all ministers' meetings should be registered. And all consultant lobbyists, like Global Counsel, have to register with the official Registrar and declare all instances of lobbying ministers and perm secs.
So is this acceptance that the current schemes don't work?
So is this acceptance that the current schemes don't work?
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Sir Chris Wormald will step down as cabinet secretary
@alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social give their take on Wormald's short stint and argue that his replacement needs to be a far more visible civil service leader www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
@alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social give their take on Wormald's short stint and argue that his replacement needs to be a far more visible civil service leader www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
Keir Starmer’s next cabinet secretary must learn the lessons from Chris Wormald’s mistakes | Institute for Government
The next cabinet secretary needs to be a far more visible civil service leader.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Sir Chris Wormald will step down as cabinet secretary
@alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social give their take on Wormald's short stint and argue that his replacement needs to be a far more visible civil service leader www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
@alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social give their take on Wormald's short stint and argue that his replacement needs to be a far more visible civil service leader www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Wormald confirmed as leaving as cabinet secretary - interesting that Antonia Romeo (MoJ), James Bowler (HMT) and Cat Little (Cabinet Office) will act as joint interims
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
The Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary have agreed by mutual consent the Cabinet Secretary will stand down
Sir Chris Wormald to stand down as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service
www.gov.uk
February 12, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Wormald confirmed as leaving as cabinet secretary - interesting that Antonia Romeo (MoJ), James Bowler (HMT) and Cat Little (Cabinet Office) will act as joint interims
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Tim Durrant
tbf this is the tried and tested way to give advice to a minister
This reads more like he was galaxy braining a list like:
a) Darth Vader
b) [my clearly preferred candidate]
c) Mr Blobby
And the PM still almost went for Vader.
a) Darth Vader
b) [my clearly preferred candidate]
c) Mr Blobby
And the PM still almost went for Vader.
This piece in The Spectator by @shippersunbound.bsky.social has an absolutely mad detail that I was not previously aware of spectator.com/article/auth...
February 12, 2026 at 1:32 PM
tbf this is the tried and tested way to give advice to a minister
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Bad news for the headline writers, but the UK will benefit if Rachel Reeves succeeds in her ambition to make the spring forecast a non-event. Me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk (and @financialtimes.com originally)
After years of instability, the UK needs a break from fiscal turbulence.
@jillongovt.bsky.social looks at why constant Budget speculation is so damaging, and what a more stable approach to economic policymaking would require.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/uk-n...
@jillongovt.bsky.social looks at why constant Budget speculation is so damaging, and what a more stable approach to economic policymaking would require.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/uk-n...
The UK needs a detox from fiscal turmoil | Institute for Government
Budget speculation dominated much of 2025. The chancellor’s new year’s resolution should be to avoid a repeat in 2026.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Bad news for the headline writers, but the UK will benefit if Rachel Reeves succeeds in her ambition to make the spring forecast a non-event. Me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk (and @financialtimes.com originally)
Reposted by Tim Durrant
At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk pleased to work with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social on a new series on Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation. Join our first event on 26 Feb asking how should ministers decide the shape and size of new unitaries. In person and online - sign up below.
EVENT | How should ministers decide the size and shape of new unitary authorities?
Join us on Thursday 26 February for the first in our series on Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation with Cllr Kay Mason Billig, @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social, Cllr Bella Sankey and Baroness Taylor
Join us on Thursday 26 February for the first in our series on Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation with Cllr Kay Mason Billig, @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social, Cllr Bella Sankey and Baroness Taylor
February 11, 2026 at 8:35 AM
At @instituteforgovernment.org.uk pleased to work with @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social on a new series on Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation. Join our first event on 26 Feb asking how should ministers decide the shape and size of new unitaries. In person and online - sign up below.
Reposted by Tim Durrant
The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk take on Chris Wormald’s brief tenure as cabinet secretary.
It is existential for the civil service that his successor learns from his mistakes.
Great from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
It is existential for the civil service that his successor learns from his mistakes.
Great from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
Keir Starmer’s next cabinet secretary must learn the lessons from Chris Wormald’s mistakes | Institute for Government
The next cabinet secretary needs to be a far more visible civil service leader.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 10, 2026 at 11:23 PM
The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk take on Chris Wormald’s brief tenure as cabinet secretary.
It is existential for the civil service that his successor learns from his mistakes.
Great from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
It is existential for the civil service that his successor learns from his mistakes.
Great from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/next...
We're at the stage of "IfG colleagues posting slightly exasperated explainer threads before dawn" of the political crisis, if anyone is counting
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
February 10, 2026 at 9:16 AM
We're at the stage of "IfG colleagues posting slightly exasperated explainer threads before dawn" of the political crisis, if anyone is counting
Reposted by Tim Durrant
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
February 10, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Reposted by Tim Durrant
So it looks like Chris Wormald will be leaving his job as cabinet secretary
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
February 10, 2026 at 7:37 AM
So it looks like Chris Wormald will be leaving his job as cabinet secretary
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
I wrote this just before he was appointed - did he achieve these tasks?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...