Josiah Mortimer
@josiahmortimer.bsky.social
Chief Reporter at UK political outlet Byline Times. I write the 'On the Ground' column in our print edition. Covering democracy, campaigning, and Britain's media.
'Fake news w*nker' - Tommy Robinson
Got a story? Get in touch.
'Fake news w*nker' - Tommy Robinson
Got a story? Get in touch.
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Sharing this to pin it: For non/new followers, hello!
I'm Josiah. I'm a UK political journalist from Cornwall & based in the South West. I also report regularly from Westminster.
My work focuses on democracy, social movements, & Britain's political system.
Get in touch: linktr.ee/josiahmortimer
I'm Josiah. I'm a UK political journalist from Cornwall & based in the South West. I also report regularly from Westminster.
My work focuses on democracy, social movements, & Britain's political system.
Get in touch: linktr.ee/josiahmortimer
Cost of extending the fuel duty cut plus cancelled uprating next year: £2.4 billion.
Cost of freezing rail fares next year: £145 million.
Sixteen times more expensive to maintain the fuel duty cut/freeze than to freeze rail fares
Imagine how much fares could be *cut* by ending car fuel subsidies.
Cost of freezing rail fares next year: £145 million.
Sixteen times more expensive to maintain the fuel duty cut/freeze than to freeze rail fares
Imagine how much fares could be *cut* by ending car fuel subsidies.
November 26, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Cost of extending the fuel duty cut plus cancelled uprating next year: £2.4 billion.
Cost of freezing rail fares next year: £145 million.
Sixteen times more expensive to maintain the fuel duty cut/freeze than to freeze rail fares
Imagine how much fares could be *cut* by ending car fuel subsidies.
Cost of freezing rail fares next year: £145 million.
Sixteen times more expensive to maintain the fuel duty cut/freeze than to freeze rail fares
Imagine how much fares could be *cut* by ending car fuel subsidies.
Confirmed: The two child benefit limit is being scrapped, funded by higher taxes on online gambling, the Chancellor says
November 26, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Confirmed: The two child benefit limit is being scrapped, funded by higher taxes on online gambling, the Chancellor says
The Tory benches actually cheered just now when the Chancellor pointed out that they want cuts to public services & welfare of £47 billion
November 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The Tory benches actually cheered just now when the Chancellor pointed out that they want cuts to public services & welfare of £47 billion
The Chancellor says there will be "no return to austerity"
She's also increasing her fiscal headroom to £20bn (from around £10bn) and says borrowing will fall as share of GDP for every year of the forecast.
So tax rises will pay for that, as well as the increased growth (forecast by the OBR).
She's also increasing her fiscal headroom to £20bn (from around £10bn) and says borrowing will fall as share of GDP for every year of the forecast.
So tax rises will pay for that, as well as the increased growth (forecast by the OBR).
November 26, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The Chancellor says there will be "no return to austerity"
She's also increasing her fiscal headroom to £20bn (from around £10bn) and says borrowing will fall as share of GDP for every year of the forecast.
So tax rises will pay for that, as well as the increased growth (forecast by the OBR).
She's also increasing her fiscal headroom to £20bn (from around £10bn) and says borrowing will fall as share of GDP for every year of the forecast.
So tax rises will pay for that, as well as the increased growth (forecast by the OBR).
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey just called for a national investigation into Russian interference in British politics.
(PM doesn't commit but slams Nigel Farage's party for the Nathan Gill bribery scandal)
(PM doesn't commit but slams Nigel Farage's party for the Nathan Gill bribery scandal)
November 26, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey just called for a national investigation into Russian interference in British politics.
(PM doesn't commit but slams Nigel Farage's party for the Nathan Gill bribery scandal)
(PM doesn't commit but slams Nigel Farage's party for the Nathan Gill bribery scandal)
Umm, what? Politico: "Property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz is looking to launch a co-working space for the ultra-rich in the old MI5 HQ in Mayfair, Bloomberg’s Lucy White reports...He’s chosen Liz Truss to be the public face of the project and to tap up her network to find members."
November 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Umm, what? Politico: "Property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz is looking to launch a co-working space for the ultra-rich in the old MI5 HQ in Mayfair, Bloomberg’s Lucy White reports...He’s chosen Liz Truss to be the public face of the project and to tap up her network to find members."
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
New: Three new ex-pupils come forward, on the record, to say Farage's racism as a teenager was targeted, persistent and nasty. Farage has denied targeting any individuals - but two of the men tell us they recall Farage abusing Peter Ettedgui.
w/ Dan Boffey, @drblacklock.bsky.social
w/ Dan Boffey, @drblacklock.bsky.social
Three more ex-pupils at school with Nigel Farage reject ‘banter’ claims
Exclusive: Dulwich college contemporaries ‘rubbish’ Reform UK leader’s suggestion alleged racist taunts not intended to hurt
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM
New: Three new ex-pupils come forward, on the record, to say Farage's racism as a teenager was targeted, persistent and nasty. Farage has denied targeting any individuals - but two of the men tell us they recall Farage abusing Peter Ettedgui.
w/ Dan Boffey, @drblacklock.bsky.social
w/ Dan Boffey, @drblacklock.bsky.social
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
Given that the BBC endlessly gives platforms to lobbyists from the dark money junktanks without revealing their interests, shouldn't we be seeing such apologies every day?
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Exclusive: The BBC has issued an apology after one of its presenters failed to challenge a climate-sceptic lobbyist who runs a group that has received funding from fossil-fuel interests
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
BBC Apologises for Failing to Challenge 'Dark Money' Climate-Denial Lobbyist
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford 'fell below usual standards'
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Given that the BBC endlessly gives platforms to lobbyists from the dark money junktanks without revealing their interests, shouldn't we be seeing such apologies every day?
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Regardless whether this poll reflects a downturn for Reform - let's just take a minute to note that five parties are polling 15% or more, under a winner-takes-all voting system. Few would have believed it possible 15 years ago.
The results are likely to be quite bonkers if this keeps up...
The results are likely to be quite bonkers if this keeps up...
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 25% (-2)
LAB: 19% (=)
CON: 18% (+1)
GRN: 16% (-1)
LDM: 15% (+2)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 23-24 Nov.
Changes w/ 16-17 Nov.
RFM: 25% (-2)
LAB: 19% (=)
CON: 18% (+1)
GRN: 16% (-1)
LDM: 15% (+2)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 23-24 Nov.
Changes w/ 16-17 Nov.
November 25, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Regardless whether this poll reflects a downturn for Reform - let's just take a minute to note that five parties are polling 15% or more, under a winner-takes-all voting system. Few would have believed it possible 15 years ago.
The results are likely to be quite bonkers if this keeps up...
The results are likely to be quite bonkers if this keeps up...
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
🔴BBC Apologises for Failing to Challenge ‘Dark Money’ Climate-Denial Lobbyist
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford ‘fell below usual standards’
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford ‘fell below usual standards’
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
BBC Apologises for Failing to Challenge 'Dark Money' Climate-Denial Lobbyist
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford 'fell below usual standards'
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
🔴BBC Apologises for Failing to Challenge ‘Dark Money’ Climate-Denial Lobbyist
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford ‘fell below usual standards’
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford ‘fell below usual standards’
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
Exclusive: The BBC has issued an apology after one of its presenters failed to challenge a climate-sceptic lobbyist who runs a group that has received funding from fossil-fuel interests
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
BBC Apologises for Failing to Challenge 'Dark Money' Climate-Denial Lobbyist
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford 'fell below usual standards'
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Exclusive: The BBC has issued an apology after one of its presenters failed to challenge a climate-sceptic lobbyist who runs a group that has received funding from fossil-fuel interests
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
Some confirmed facts about the budget! Rejoice.
The Government has confirmed that mayors will be able to introduce tourist taxes in their areas
www.gov.uk/government/n...
The Government has confirmed that mayors will be able to introduce tourist taxes in their areas
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth
England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.
www.gov.uk
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Some confirmed facts about the budget! Rejoice.
The Government has confirmed that mayors will be able to introduce tourist taxes in their areas
www.gov.uk/government/n...
The Government has confirmed that mayors will be able to introduce tourist taxes in their areas
www.gov.uk/government/n...
New from Your Party: Members will vote this weekend on a "pioneering" collective leadership model vs a single leader option.
YP MPs are to be subject to ‘democratic whip’ as plans are unveiled for the new shape of the party.
And members will vote on the party’s permanent name during Conference.
YP MPs are to be subject to ‘democratic whip’ as plans are unveiled for the new shape of the party.
And members will vote on the party’s permanent name during Conference.
November 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
New from Your Party: Members will vote this weekend on a "pioneering" collective leadership model vs a single leader option.
YP MPs are to be subject to ‘democratic whip’ as plans are unveiled for the new shape of the party.
And members will vote on the party’s permanent name during Conference.
YP MPs are to be subject to ‘democratic whip’ as plans are unveiled for the new shape of the party.
And members will vote on the party’s permanent name during Conference.
The former Conservative Levelling Up Secretary and now editor of the Spectator, Michael Gove, has been selected as a judge for the 2026 Orwell Prize awards, despite his record of dodging media scrutiny and allegations of ‘stifling’ critical journalists
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:12 PM
The former Conservative Levelling Up Secretary and now editor of the Spectator, Michael Gove, has been selected as a judge for the 2026 Orwell Prize awards, despite his record of dodging media scrutiny and allegations of ‘stifling’ critical journalists
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Today's good news corner: New data published in Transport for London’s Travel in London report shows cycling journeys are up by 43% compared with 2019 levels
Tfl says the number of daily cycle journeys has increased by 13% since 2024 alone, with 1.5 million daily journeys taking place in 2025 (1/x)
Tfl says the number of daily cycle journeys has increased by 13% since 2024 alone, with 1.5 million daily journeys taking place in 2025 (1/x)
November 25, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Today's good news corner: New data published in Transport for London’s Travel in London report shows cycling journeys are up by 43% compared with 2019 levels
Tfl says the number of daily cycle journeys has increased by 13% since 2024 alone, with 1.5 million daily journeys taking place in 2025 (1/x)
Tfl says the number of daily cycle journeys has increased by 13% since 2024 alone, with 1.5 million daily journeys taking place in 2025 (1/x)
The UK is losing up to £250m a day in lost tax revenue due to the economic impact of Brexit, House of Commons Library analysis for the Lib Dems suggests.
Brexit has blown a "black hole of [up to] £90 billion a year in the public finances" the party says. Even under lower estimates the hit is ~£65bn
Brexit has blown a "black hole of [up to] £90 billion a year in the public finances" the party says. Even under lower estimates the hit is ~£65bn
November 25, 2025 at 10:33 AM
The UK is losing up to £250m a day in lost tax revenue due to the economic impact of Brexit, House of Commons Library analysis for the Lib Dems suggests.
Brexit has blown a "black hole of [up to] £90 billion a year in the public finances" the party says. Even under lower estimates the hit is ~£65bn
Brexit has blown a "black hole of [up to] £90 billion a year in the public finances" the party says. Even under lower estimates the hit is ~£65bn
Politico: The Treasury "has been cajoling banks into making public endorsements of the budget — just as Reeves prepares to spare them from tax hikes."
Ah yes, just the vibe to win over voters in a cost of living crisis.
Ah yes, just the vibe to win over voters in a cost of living crisis.
November 25, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Politico: The Treasury "has been cajoling banks into making public endorsements of the budget — just as Reeves prepares to spare them from tax hikes."
Ah yes, just the vibe to win over voters in a cost of living crisis.
Ah yes, just the vibe to win over voters in a cost of living crisis.
"There is the great paradox of Your Party’s journey so far: chaos at the top, impressive grassroots efforts at the base. The large local meetings have been undermined by factionalism, reckless conduct and incompetence from those (on all ‘sides’) centrally involved in the project."
Reimagining YOUR PARTY: Six supporters give their upfront views on the changes needed... and fast.
A special pre-conference issue of THE LEFT LANE ahead of the party's founding conference this weekend in Liverpool.
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
"There is the great paradox of Your Party’s journey so far: chaos at the top, impressive grassroots efforts at the base. The large local meetings have been undermined by factionalism, reckless conduct and incompetence from those (on all ‘sides’) centrally involved in the project."
A British infrastructure project finishing on time and on budget. What happened?
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/salford-cent...
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/salford-cent...
Salford Central’s £10m refresh completes - Place North West
Led by Transport for Greater Manchester with Network Rail and Northern Trains, the investment is considered a crucial step for the wider plan to integrate up to 64 Greater Manchester rail stations int...
www.placenorthwest.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:22 PM
A British infrastructure project finishing on time and on budget. What happened?
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/salford-cent...
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/salford-cent...
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
🔴Reform UK’s ‘Cost Cutting’ Council Prepares to Raise Taxes After Presiding Over £46 Million Overspend
Nigel Farage’s flagship council, which promised to “reduce waste and cut your taxes” is set to raise bills after spending tens of millions of pounds over its budget
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/24/r...
Nigel Farage’s flagship council, which promised to “reduce waste and cut your taxes” is set to raise bills after spending tens of millions of pounds over its budget
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/24/r...
Reform UK's 'Cost Cutting' Council Prepares to Raise Taxes After Presiding Over £46 Million Overspend
Nigel Farage's flagship Kent County Council, which promised to "reduce waste and cut your taxes" is set to raise bills on local taxpayers, after spending tens of millions of pounds over its budget
bylinetimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🔴Reform UK’s ‘Cost Cutting’ Council Prepares to Raise Taxes After Presiding Over £46 Million Overspend
Nigel Farage’s flagship council, which promised to “reduce waste and cut your taxes” is set to raise bills after spending tens of millions of pounds over its budget
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/24/r...
Nigel Farage’s flagship council, which promised to “reduce waste and cut your taxes” is set to raise bills after spending tens of millions of pounds over its budget
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/24/r...
Yup. The evidence suggests Farage did say racist things in a "hurtful" way...
In 2013, Farage told Michael Crick he was a "troublemaker" who "wound people up". "“I did say things that would offend deeply ... I made arguments against [English teachers], that I didn’t necessarily believe in". He says this was just support for Enoch Powell - in 1981 - not for further right views
November 24, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Yup. The evidence suggests Farage did say racist things in a "hurtful" way...
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
Everything about this might be the saddest thing I’ve ever seen
November 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Everything about this might be the saddest thing I’ve ever seen
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
Just the good, friendly, morale-boosting kind of racism.
“I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way”
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Just the good, friendly, morale-boosting kind of racism.
Reposted by Josiah Mortimer
Toby Young, self-appointed king of free speech, is speaking in Hungary tomorrow about UK “censorship”.
He’ll be addressing a group funded by Viktor Orbán’s autocratic regime, which has seized control of the country’s media, judiciary, and routinely harasses its critics
He’ll be addressing a group funded by Viktor Orbán’s autocratic regime, which has seized control of the country’s media, judiciary, and routinely harasses its critics
Toby Young to Address Orbán-Backed Group on UK ‘Censorship’
Conservative peer and right-wing commentator Toby Young is due to deliver a talk tomorrow (25 November) at the in-house think tank of Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orbán. Young is being interviewed by Mat...
www.desmog.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Toby Young, self-appointed king of free speech, is speaking in Hungary tomorrow about UK “censorship”.
He’ll be addressing a group funded by Viktor Orbán’s autocratic regime, which has seized control of the country’s media, judiciary, and routinely harasses its critics
He’ll be addressing a group funded by Viktor Orbán’s autocratic regime, which has seized control of the country’s media, judiciary, and routinely harasses its critics