Tilda Martin
@matildamartin.bsky.social
Political Reporter @PoliticsHome 🖊️ about education (and a few other things)
📧[email protected](she/her) | prev Senior Reporter @tes
📧[email protected](she/her) | prev Senior Reporter @tes
Matt Wrack speaks to @politicshome.bsky.social
💥Starmer’s leadership poses an existential threat to the Labour Party
💥Going on strike is "inevitably in the air" but struggles of union need to be addressed
💥Reform’s threat to unions
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
💥Starmer’s leadership poses an existential threat to the Labour Party
💥Going on strike is "inevitably in the air" but struggles of union need to be addressed
💥Reform’s threat to unions
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Labour Might Not Survive Under Keir Starmer, Warns Veteran Union Boss
The head of a teaching union who has spent more than two decades at the forefront of the trade union movement has said Keir Starmer’s leadership po...
www.politicshome.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Matt Wrack speaks to @politicshome.bsky.social
💥Starmer’s leadership poses an existential threat to the Labour Party
💥Going on strike is "inevitably in the air" but struggles of union need to be addressed
💥Reform’s threat to unions
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
💥Starmer’s leadership poses an existential threat to the Labour Party
💥Going on strike is "inevitably in the air" but struggles of union need to be addressed
💥Reform’s threat to unions
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
What is Reform-curious voters' biggest hesitation?
The party's lack of governing experience
That's according to new @thinksinsight.bsky.social research shared exclusively with PolHome this weekend
Reform as a "risk" to the country, and a single-issue party (immigration), are also concerns
The party's lack of governing experience
That's according to new @thinksinsight.bsky.social research shared exclusively with PolHome this weekend
Reform as a "risk" to the country, and a single-issue party (immigration), are also concerns
Reform Curious Voters Worry That The Party Lacks Experience
Voters who are thinking about backing Reform UK at the next general election are concerned that the party lacks experience of government.
www.politicshome.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:17 AM
What is Reform-curious voters' biggest hesitation?
The party's lack of governing experience
That's according to new @thinksinsight.bsky.social research shared exclusively with PolHome this weekend
Reform as a "risk" to the country, and a single-issue party (immigration), are also concerns
The party's lack of governing experience
That's according to new @thinksinsight.bsky.social research shared exclusively with PolHome this weekend
Reform as a "risk" to the country, and a single-issue party (immigration), are also concerns
As John Healey once again draws attention to the Russian Yantar ship, my interview with the head of the Royal Navy (in which he discusses the Russian threat) feels worth resharing
His claim that the UK is not afraid to call out Russia also rings true
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
His claim that the UK is not afraid to call out Russia also rings true
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
First Sea Lord: The UK Is Not Afraid Of Calling Out Russian Sabotage
As the Russian threat to UK security grows, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins – the first Royal Marine to be appointed First Sea Lord – talks to Matilda Mar...
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM
As John Healey once again draws attention to the Russian Yantar ship, my interview with the head of the Royal Navy (in which he discusses the Russian threat) feels worth resharing
His claim that the UK is not afraid to call out Russia also rings true
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
His claim that the UK is not afraid to call out Russia also rings true
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Today, a report by the Defence Select Committee concludes the UK lacks a plan to defend itself in an attack
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
UK Would Struggle To Protect Itself From Attack, Say Defence Figures
The UK is not currently capable of defending itself from attack, defence figures including former ministers have told PoliticsHome.
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Today, a report by the Defence Select Committee concludes the UK lacks a plan to defend itself in an attack
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The PM must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Keir Starmer Is To Blame For Failing Public Services, Says Think Tank
The Prime Minister must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to a...
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
The PM must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
The government is set to publish the Men's Health Strategy on Wednesday
@politicshome.bsky.social understands it is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harms, as pressure grows for ministers to treat gambling addiction as a major public health threat
@politicshome.bsky.social understands it is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harms, as pressure grows for ministers to treat gambling addiction as a major public health threat
Men’s Health Strategy Expected To Include New Measures On Gambling Addiction
The government’s Men’s Health Strategy is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, as pressure grows for ministers to trea...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
The government is set to publish the Men's Health Strategy on Wednesday
@politicshome.bsky.social understands it is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harms, as pressure grows for ministers to treat gambling addiction as a major public health threat
@politicshome.bsky.social understands it is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harms, as pressure grows for ministers to treat gambling addiction as a major public health threat
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week, @zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports
"We're proud of our borough's clean streets... it is unacceptable for anyone to treat them as a urinal"
"We're proud of our borough's clean streets... it is unacceptable for anyone to treat them as a urinal"
Kensington Council Investigating Peter Mandelson For Urinating In The Street
Exclusive: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the stree...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week, @zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports
"We're proud of our borough's clean streets... it is unacceptable for anyone to treat them as a urinal"
"We're proud of our borough's clean streets... it is unacceptable for anyone to treat them as a urinal"
Reposted by Tilda Martin
The government’s new Men’s Health Strategy, set to be published on Wednesday, is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, PolHome understands
@zoecrowther.bsky.social reports
@zoecrowther.bsky.social reports
Men’s Health Strategy Expected To Include New Measures On Gambling Addiction
The government’s Men’s Health Strategy is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, as pressure grows for ministers to trea...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:06 PM
The government’s new Men’s Health Strategy, set to be published on Wednesday, is expected to include new measures to tackle gambling-related harm, PolHome understands
@zoecrowther.bsky.social reports
@zoecrowther.bsky.social reports
Reposted by Tilda Martin
As all eyes are fixed on the House of Commons as the government sets out its immigration reforms, @politicshome.bsky.social can reveal that the government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Public Consultation On Digital ID Delayed Until 2026
Exclusive: The government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year, PoliticsHome understand...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:51 PM
As all eyes are fixed on the House of Commons as the government sets out its immigration reforms, @politicshome.bsky.social can reveal that the government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
A public consultation on digital ID has been delayed until the new year, PolHome understands
The government had planned to launch the consultation "later this year"
It comes amid criticism of how the policy has been sold to the public so far
@matildamartin.bsky.social reports
The government had planned to launch the consultation "later this year"
It comes amid criticism of how the policy has been sold to the public so far
@matildamartin.bsky.social reports
Public Consultation On Digital ID Delayed Until 2026
Exclusive: The government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year, PoliticsHome understand...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
A public consultation on digital ID has been delayed until the new year, PolHome understands
The government had planned to launch the consultation "later this year"
It comes amid criticism of how the policy has been sold to the public so far
@matildamartin.bsky.social reports
The government had planned to launch the consultation "later this year"
It comes amid criticism of how the policy has been sold to the public so far
@matildamartin.bsky.social reports
Reposted by Tilda Martin
EXC: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week
Kensington Council Investigating Peter Mandelson For Urinating In The Street
Exclusive: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the stree...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
EXC: Kensington and Chelsea Council is investigating whether Lord Peter Mandelson committed an offence when he publicly urinated in the street last week
The Home Secretary seeks to face down Labour MPs who have accused govt of going too far in its new immigration reforms
PoliticsHome understands that the Home Office will be offering drop-in sessions for MPs in coming weeks to discuss the proposals in more detail
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
PoliticsHome understands that the Home Office will be offering drop-in sessions for MPs in coming weeks to discuss the proposals in more detail
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Shabana Mahmood Warns Hatred Will Grow If Labour Doesn't Deal With Illegal Immigration
Shabana Mahmood has warned that 'hatred' will rise across the country unless the government tackles illegal immigration.
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The Home Secretary seeks to face down Labour MPs who have accused govt of going too far in its new immigration reforms
PoliticsHome understands that the Home Office will be offering drop-in sessions for MPs in coming weeks to discuss the proposals in more detail
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
PoliticsHome understands that the Home Office will be offering drop-in sessions for MPs in coming weeks to discuss the proposals in more detail
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
As all eyes are fixed on the House of Commons as the government sets out its immigration reforms, @politicshome.bsky.social can reveal that the government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Public Consultation On Digital ID Delayed Until 2026
Exclusive: The government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year, PoliticsHome understand...
www.politicshome.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:51 PM
As all eyes are fixed on the House of Commons as the government sets out its immigration reforms, @politicshome.bsky.social can reveal that the government has delayed consulting with the public on the development of digital ID plans until the new year
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
As opposition to immigration reform plans ramps up, one MP tells me:
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
November 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
As opposition to immigration reform plans ramps up, one MP tells me:
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
“Backlash will be contained. Unlike PIP cuts, people actually want controls on immigration.”
“Either we do this, or the British people will replace us with someone who will go much further.”
Very much enjoyed this dive into what exactly has gone on inside the Reform party in Cornwall since the council elections in May
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
When reality bites: the rapid rise and chaotic fall of Reform UK in Cornwall
Resignations, suspensions and infighting lead to party losing crown of highest number of seats in the county
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Very much enjoyed this dive into what exactly has gone on inside the Reform party in Cornwall since the council elections in May
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
While Reform UK saw huge success 6 months ago, it now no longer holds the highest number of seats in the authority
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“The whole thing is like an elaborate leftist self-parody performance,” one left-wing source remarks drily. “We’ve got more factions than MPs,” sighs a senior figure.
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The Corbyn-Sultana Power Struggle: How 'Your Party' Got Here And How It Ends
Ahead of its founding conference, Sienna Rodgers reports on the hostilities within the new left-wing project, Your Party, as Jeremy Corbyn and Zara...
www.politicshome.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“The whole thing is like an elaborate leftist self-parody performance,” one left-wing source remarks drily. “We’ve got more factions than MPs,” sighs a senior figure.
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
@siennarodgers.bsky.social reports on the hostilities within Your Party
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
More bad news for Reform in Kent as 2 previously suspended councillors now permanently expelled
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform UK expels Kent councillor after alleged video leak
Isabella Kemp said she
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:11 AM
More bad news for Reform in Kent as 2 previously suspended councillors now permanently expelled
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kemp expelled "following an internal investigation into leaking of confidential information"
Fothergill expelled for failing to disclose "a serious matter" during vetting
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Exclusive:
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
Whitehall Decision Making Procedure Could Be Overhauled To Stop Delays
The government is considering scrapping Whitehall's 'write-round' process as part of its bid to speed up decision making, PoliticsHome understands
www.politicshome.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Exclusive:
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
As part of the Whitehall delivery drive, the Labour government is looking at overhauling the 'write-round' process that has been used by Cabinet for years
Frustrated insiders say it creates needless delays and are pushing for a shake-up
It'll be major reform if they go for it
Reposted by Tilda Martin
In a feature for @politicshome.bsky.social I’ve explored the debate behind the government’s “difficult tightrope” on immigration policy
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
'It's About Earning Consent': Inside The Labour Government's 'Difficult Tightrope' On Immigration
Government insiders believe there is political space to set out a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who support a progr...
www.politicshome.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
In a feature for @politicshome.bsky.social I’ve explored the debate behind the government’s “difficult tightrope” on immigration policy
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
Govt insiders believe there’s political space to set out more of a positive case for skilled legal immigration – but even MPs who support this admit it’s "risky"
I understand there's a split within govt over how big the controversial new levy on international students should be
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Departments Split On Size Of International Student Levy
Exclusive: There is disagreement within the government over how big the new levy on international students should be.
www.politicshome.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM
I understand there's a split within govt over how big the controversial new levy on international students should be
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The q at the moment is whether it should be 6% or a £1,000 fee
Different depts & unis would favour one over the other....read more below👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tilda Martin
Half of voters who backed Labour in 2024 have deserted the party, according to internal polling shared with Labour MPs, reports PolHome's Harriet Symonds
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
Half of 2024 Labour Voters Have Gone Elsewhere, Party Privately Tells MPs
Half of voters who backed Labour at the last general election have deserted the party, according to internal polling shared with Labour MPs.
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Half of voters who backed Labour in 2024 have deserted the party, according to internal polling shared with Labour MPs, reports PolHome's Harriet Symonds
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
The figures suggest Labour's lost vote is broadly split between its left and right flanks, demonstrating the electoral challenge facing the party
Reposted by Tilda Martin
"Any attack on any member of my Cabinet is completely unacceptable," Keir Starmer told PMQs on Wednesday
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
Keir Starmer Says No 10 Briefings Against Wes Streeting Are 'Completely Unacceptable”
Keir Starmer has said any attack on his Cabinet 'is completely unacceptable” and come to the defence of Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:51 PM
"Any attack on any member of my Cabinet is completely unacceptable," Keir Starmer told PMQs on Wednesday
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
He also came to the defence of Wes Streeting, who was the subject of hostile briefings by unnamed No 10 sources overnight
@tomscotson.bsky.social reports
Reposted by Tilda Martin
“We need to do something... but it makes me nervous"
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
'It's About Earning Consent': Inside The Labour Government's 'Difficult Tightrope' On Immigration
Government insiders believe there is political space to set out a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who support a progr...
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:16 AM
“We need to do something... but it makes me nervous"
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
Government insiders believe there is political space to make a more positive case for legal immigration. But even Labour MPs who want a progressive shift admit it comes with risk
@zoecrowther.bsky.social goes inside the "tightrope" debate
An interesting story from Portsmouth this morning where latest YouGov MRP projects Pmouth North for Reform & Pmouth South for Labour in a GE
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Portsmouth Lib Dem Jason Fazackarley defects to Reform UK
Jason Fazackarley's switch means Reform UK now has eight councillors on Portsmouth City Council.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
An interesting story from Portsmouth this morning where latest YouGov MRP projects Pmouth North for Reform & Pmouth South for Labour in a GE
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
-also interesting area to keep an eye on next year, with elections for a new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent set for May 2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
One loyalist Labour MP tells me last night's events were a "catastrophe"
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Labour MPs Say No 10 Briefing Has Increased Wes Streeting’s Chances Of Becoming PM
Labour MPs have told PoliticsHome that Wes Streeting’s stock has increased among members of the Parliamentary Labour Party, particularly its soft l...
www.politicshome.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:45 AM
One loyalist Labour MP tells me last night's events were a "catastrophe"
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
But they remark that mood is low, citing a lack of cheering during PMQs when Starmer stands up to answer Q1 in recent weeks - something that Tories have started to notice and pick up on👀
www.politicshome.com/news/article...