Ben Lowndes
@blowndes.bsky.social
Husband. Dad to two teens (girl and boy). Agency founder. Chartered PR. Lives in Somerset. Proudly Pembs.
Pinned
Ben Lowndes
@blowndes.bsky.social
· Nov 18
a cartoon character from south park says " here 's to the future everyone "
ALT: a cartoon character from south park says " here 's to the future everyone "
media.tenor.com
Thanks to those who've started following me on here, some for the first time (what's going on?!). I'm based in the South West, work in Bristol and write about comms, reputation, places and work. Debate and strident disagreement is OK with me. Bullshit and insults, less so. Let's see where we get to.
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
All 14 of the AI training courses recommended today by our Technology Secretary are provided by US companies. Not one is British.
Read on for the billions we're also spending with these companies: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Read on for the billions we're also spending with these companies: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
January 28, 2026 at 2:44 PM
All 14 of the AI training courses recommended today by our Technology Secretary are provided by US companies. Not one is British.
Read on for the billions we're also spending with these companies: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Read on for the billions we're also spending with these companies: www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Give me strength. What are they thinking?!
One of my biggest clients is Scottish. I wouldn't DARE suggest Irn Bru was a good idea to take to a meeting.
This image doesn't say 'I get Scotland' at all. Quite the opposite.
What's he going to do on St David's Day? Proper cringeworthy stuff.
One of my biggest clients is Scottish. I wouldn't DARE suggest Irn Bru was a good idea to take to a meeting.
This image doesn't say 'I get Scotland' at all. Quite the opposite.
What's he going to do on St David's Day? Proper cringeworthy stuff.
January 27, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Give me strength. What are they thinking?!
One of my biggest clients is Scottish. I wouldn't DARE suggest Irn Bru was a good idea to take to a meeting.
This image doesn't say 'I get Scotland' at all. Quite the opposite.
What's he going to do on St David's Day? Proper cringeworthy stuff.
One of my biggest clients is Scottish. I wouldn't DARE suggest Irn Bru was a good idea to take to a meeting.
This image doesn't say 'I get Scotland' at all. Quite the opposite.
What's he going to do on St David's Day? Proper cringeworthy stuff.
Monday post with reflections on why - despite global and national uncertainty - great things can happen in cities and regions if stakeholders work together well.
Strong leadership and active business are essential ingredients.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/26/t...
Strong leadership and active business are essential ingredients.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/26/t...
The collaboration challenge: how places can keep moving through chaos
In a year of turbulence, collaboration keeps places moving. Reflections on why leadership, relationships and trust still matter in 2026.
benlowndes.blog
January 26, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Monday post with reflections on why - despite global and national uncertainty - great things can happen in cities and regions if stakeholders work together well.
Strong leadership and active business are essential ingredients.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/26/t...
Strong leadership and active business are essential ingredients.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/26/t...
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
If only, if only....
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it's time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
German soccer federation official wants World Cup boycott considered because of Trump
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it’s time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 10:25 AM
If only, if only....
Fair enough, but there’s also something profoundly disappointing about the prospect of someone who’s made his stock over the last decade as a champion of the north and arch critic of the Westminster bubble going back. I hope he doesn’t run at this time.
January 23, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Fair enough, but there’s also something profoundly disappointing about the prospect of someone who’s made his stock over the last decade as a champion of the north and arch critic of the Westminster bubble going back. I hope he doesn’t run at this time.
Have a plan. Stick to it. Follow it though. Lessons for life from Traitors tonight. Beautiful TV
January 23, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Have a plan. Stick to it. Follow it though. Lessons for life from Traitors tonight. Beautiful TV
Two days forward….
Two days back…
Where you are today….
Two days back…
Where you are today….
Another reminder that the Telegraph's Allister Heath is a one-man Human Centipede of news reporting.
Then...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11...
Now...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01...
Then...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11...
Now...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01...
January 22, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Two days forward….
Two days back…
Where you are today….
Two days back…
Where you are today….
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
Let's count up what the BBC News website has reported on since Monday morning!
Farage fails to declare £380k of income on time: ONE
Major reform of the system that provides our water: ONE
Venezuela: NONE
Retired footballer's nepo baby has Instagram tantrum: TWELVE (12)
Farage fails to declare £380k of income on time: ONE
Major reform of the system that provides our water: ONE
Venezuela: NONE
Retired footballer's nepo baby has Instagram tantrum: TWELVE (12)
January 21, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Let's count up what the BBC News website has reported on since Monday morning!
Farage fails to declare £380k of income on time: ONE
Major reform of the system that provides our water: ONE
Venezuela: NONE
Retired footballer's nepo baby has Instagram tantrum: TWELVE (12)
Farage fails to declare £380k of income on time: ONE
Major reform of the system that provides our water: ONE
Venezuela: NONE
Retired footballer's nepo baby has Instagram tantrum: TWELVE (12)
I have a working theory, regularly tested, that almost everyone travelling on buses in winter want windows to be closed, apart from the single bloke demanding it stays open.
January 21, 2026 at 6:33 PM
I have a working theory, regularly tested, that almost everyone travelling on buses in winter want windows to be closed, apart from the single bloke demanding it stays open.
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
Thoughts on how Robert Jenrick’s defection highlights what's wrong with politics in the UK and the media's relationship with it.
Things are tough, but there's lots to celebrate. And if you aspire to lead the country, it helps not to speak like you hate it.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/19/b...
Things are tough, but there's lots to celebrate. And if you aspire to lead the country, it helps not to speak like you hate it.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/19/b...
Britain isn’t broken, but Jenrick shows that politics is bust - Ben Lowndes
Britain isn't failing, its politics is. Robert Jenrick’s defection highlights the media's obession with personalities and gimmicks.
benlowndes.blog
January 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Thoughts on how Robert Jenrick’s defection highlights what's wrong with politics in the UK and the media's relationship with it.
Things are tough, but there's lots to celebrate. And if you aspire to lead the country, it helps not to speak like you hate it.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/19/b...
Things are tough, but there's lots to celebrate. And if you aspire to lead the country, it helps not to speak like you hate it.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/19/b...
Britain isn’t broken, but Jenrick shows that politics is bust - Ben Lowndes
Britain isn't failing, its politics is. Robert Jenrick’s defection highlights the media's obession with personalities and gimmicks.
benlowndes.blog
January 19, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Thoughts on how Robert Jenrick’s defection highlights what's wrong with politics in the UK and the media's relationship with it.
Things are tough, but there's lots to celebrate. And if you aspire to lead the country, it helps not to speak like you hate it.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/19/b...
Things are tough, but there's lots to celebrate. And if you aspire to lead the country, it helps not to speak like you hate it.
benlowndes.blog/2026/01/19/b...
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
it's more or less impossible to find issues that poll this badly and he's decided to make it a major, public priority www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-tru...
January 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM
it's more or less impossible to find issues that poll this badly and he's decided to make it a major, public priority www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-tru...
Pleased to see this statement. I have family and friends that live in the US. I love the country. But we have to accept that Trump is not our friend. We can't rely on him.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
"Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes... Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong."
"Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes... Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong."
January 18, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Pleased to see this statement. I have family and friends that live in the US. I love the country. But we have to accept that Trump is not our friend. We can't rely on him.
This is really excellent on why the centre left needs to stop obsessing over process and get its act together.
Strongly agree, and have said similar over recent months.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Strongly agree, and have said similar over recent months.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Say what you will about Trump, but unlike Starmer he knows his own power – and how to use it | Aditya Chakrabortty
The right is unafraid to show its might on the world stage – meanwhile the PM is tinkering with potholes, says Guardian columnist Aditya Chakrabortty
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:38 AM
This is really excellent on why the centre left needs to stop obsessing over process and get its act together.
Strongly agree, and have said similar over recent months.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Strongly agree, and have said similar over recent months.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
Small changes in this week’s voting intention see the Reform lead back to double digits (10pts) for first time since mid November.
➡️ REF UK 31% (-)
🌳 CON 21% (-2)
🌹 LAB 19% (nc)
🔶 LIB DEM 12% (nc)
🌍 GREEN 12% (+2)
🟡 SNP 2% (nc)
N = 2,036 | 10 - 13/01| Change w 7/01
➡️ REF UK 31% (-)
🌳 CON 21% (-2)
🌹 LAB 19% (nc)
🔶 LIB DEM 12% (nc)
🌍 GREEN 12% (+2)
🟡 SNP 2% (nc)
N = 2,036 | 10 - 13/01| Change w 7/01
January 14, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Small changes in this week’s voting intention see the Reform lead back to double digits (10pts) for first time since mid November.
➡️ REF UK 31% (-)
🌳 CON 21% (-2)
🌹 LAB 19% (nc)
🔶 LIB DEM 12% (nc)
🌍 GREEN 12% (+2)
🟡 SNP 2% (nc)
N = 2,036 | 10 - 13/01| Change w 7/01
➡️ REF UK 31% (-)
🌳 CON 21% (-2)
🌹 LAB 19% (nc)
🔶 LIB DEM 12% (nc)
🌍 GREEN 12% (+2)
🟡 SNP 2% (nc)
N = 2,036 | 10 - 13/01| Change w 7/01
As using AI without taking ownership of the output goes, this is a bad one.
WM Police chief Craig Guildford has apologised for identifying a fictitious West Ham v Maccabi Tel Aviv match in a police report. He’s written to the home affairs committee and blames Microsoft CoPilot for the error
January 14, 2026 at 12:25 PM
As using AI without taking ownership of the output goes, this is a bad one.
Miss old Twitter on days like today. Biggest FA Cup shock ever just happened. Loads of big moments happening in grounds across the country today, which you’d catch on there.
This was the first thing I saw on X.
Huge congrats to Macclesfield for a stunning performance.
But hey, fascists.
This was the first thing I saw on X.
Huge congrats to Macclesfield for a stunning performance.
But hey, fascists.
January 10, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Miss old Twitter on days like today. Biggest FA Cup shock ever just happened. Loads of big moments happening in grounds across the country today, which you’d catch on there.
This was the first thing I saw on X.
Huge congrats to Macclesfield for a stunning performance.
But hey, fascists.
This was the first thing I saw on X.
Huge congrats to Macclesfield for a stunning performance.
But hey, fascists.
The Times leader on Wednesday calling for help for pubs (which is fair).
The Times leader today calls the decision to offer support to pubs a sign of ‘rot’.
The Times leader today calls the decision to offer support to pubs a sign of ‘rot’.
January 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
The Times leader on Wednesday calling for help for pubs (which is fair).
The Times leader today calls the decision to offer support to pubs a sign of ‘rot’.
The Times leader today calls the decision to offer support to pubs a sign of ‘rot’.
Thanks @caseynewton.bsky.social for sharing this.
It's a stark reminder that things are rarely what they first seem. Highlights at the same time how many understaffed newsrooms get caught out by AI hoaxes.
www.platformer.news/fake-uber-ea...
It's a stark reminder that things are rarely what they first seem. Highlights at the same time how many understaffed newsrooms get caught out by AI hoaxes.
www.platformer.news/fake-uber-ea...
Debunking the AI food delivery hoax that fooled Reddit
A “whistleblower” tried to corroborate his viral post with AI-generated evidence. This is how I caught him. PLUS: Grok's image-generation crisis, and the rapture over Claude Opus 4.5
www.platformer.news
January 6, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Thanks @caseynewton.bsky.social for sharing this.
It's a stark reminder that things are rarely what they first seem. Highlights at the same time how many understaffed newsrooms get caught out by AI hoaxes.
www.platformer.news/fake-uber-ea...
It's a stark reminder that things are rarely what they first seem. Highlights at the same time how many understaffed newsrooms get caught out by AI hoaxes.
www.platformer.news/fake-uber-ea...
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
Very much all of this.
The many Brits bashing the capital are very useful idiots for overseas efforts to undermine the country imho.
As I've said before, it's time to push back at the nonsense
The many Brits bashing the capital are very useful idiots for overseas efforts to undermine the country imho.
As I've said before, it's time to push back at the nonsense
What the war against London really is about. V good by @robertshrimsley.bsky.social #Giftlink
And on a different note: A v Happy New Year to everyone!
And on a different note: A v Happy New Year to everyone!
The plot against London
Distorted attacks by the populist right are really about demography
giftarticle.ft.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Very much all of this.
The many Brits bashing the capital are very useful idiots for overseas efforts to undermine the country imho.
As I've said before, it's time to push back at the nonsense
The many Brits bashing the capital are very useful idiots for overseas efforts to undermine the country imho.
As I've said before, it's time to push back at the nonsense
Reposted by Ben Lowndes
Reform’s previous leader in Wales has just been jailed for 10 years after admitting to being a Russian asset.
December 31, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Reform’s previous leader in Wales has just been jailed for 10 years after admitting to being a Russian asset.
Oh, this…
For all of the times the Tories chipped away at Labour’s integrity this year, this is a great way to end 2025 by reminding us how low the bar fell under them.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
For all of the times the Tories chipped away at Labour’s integrity this year, this is a great way to end 2025 by reminding us how low the bar fell under them.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Badenoch under fire as Tory shadow attorney general acts for Roman Abramovich
Labour urges Conservative leader to reveal whether she knew David Wolfson was to represent Russian oligarch in legal case
www.theguardian.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Oh, this…
For all of the times the Tories chipped away at Labour’s integrity this year, this is a great way to end 2025 by reminding us how low the bar fell under them.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
For all of the times the Tories chipped away at Labour’s integrity this year, this is a great way to end 2025 by reminding us how low the bar fell under them.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Sharing as can't reply.
It may be comforting to think this, but labelling those you disagree with as thick does nothing to address the polarlisation we face.
It we listen more, and shout less. we may be able to find common ground - and address challenges which everyone recognises - together.
It may be comforting to think this, but labelling those you disagree with as thick does nothing to address the polarlisation we face.
It we listen more, and shout less. we may be able to find common ground - and address challenges which everyone recognises - together.
This, combined with "vice signaling" (taking pride in antisocial behavior) has given us the reign of the Stupid Asshole, something most people are against, but can only be remedied if we're not too polite to talk about it
An essential development over the past decade-plus is that the ignorant went from feeling chastened when their ignorance was revealed to banding together and deciding that, actually, they were right. They might disagree at times, but they agreed that ignorance itself was an indicator of trust.
December 30, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Sharing as can't reply.
It may be comforting to think this, but labelling those you disagree with as thick does nothing to address the polarlisation we face.
It we listen more, and shout less. we may be able to find common ground - and address challenges which everyone recognises - together.
It may be comforting to think this, but labelling those you disagree with as thick does nothing to address the polarlisation we face.
It we listen more, and shout less. we may be able to find common ground - and address challenges which everyone recognises - together.