Zoë Crowther
@zoecrowther.bsky.social
• political reporter politicshome.bsky.social • “internet shepherd” of Bluesky • covering the politics behind social media, tech & health
IG: http://instagram.com/zoe.crowther/ • X: @zoenora6
📍 London via Notts, Newcastle & Bristol
IG: http://instagram.com/zoe.crowther/ • X: @zoenora6
📍 London via Notts, Newcastle & Bristol
Pinned
Zoë Crowther
@zoecrowther.bsky.social
· Nov 27
To all my new followers here, a short introduction:
I'm a political reporter for @politicshome.bsky.social, covering all things politics and running our Sunday newsletter interviews each week
I'm particularly interested in social media, AI, online safety, mental health & NHS/health and social care
I'm a political reporter for @politicshome.bsky.social, covering all things politics and running our Sunday newsletter interviews each week
I'm particularly interested in social media, AI, online safety, mental health & NHS/health and social care
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 Why won't anyone reform council tax?
🏘️ Labour MPs @jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social & @catherinewestmp.bsky.social, Tory MP Harriett Baldwin & tax lawyer @danneidle.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss why council tax seems politically untouchable
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/3529c3
🏘️ Labour MPs @jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social & @catherinewestmp.bsky.social, Tory MP Harriett Baldwin & tax lawyer @danneidle.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss why council tax seems politically untouchable
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/3529c3
November 14, 2025 at 12:19 PM
🚨 OUT NOW 🚨 Why won't anyone reform council tax?
🏘️ Labour MPs @jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social & @catherinewestmp.bsky.social, Tory MP Harriett Baldwin & tax lawyer @danneidle.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss why council tax seems politically untouchable
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/3529c3
🏘️ Labour MPs @jonathanbrashmp.bsky.social & @catherinewestmp.bsky.social, Tory MP Harriett Baldwin & tax lawyer @danneidle.bsky.social join @alaintolhurst.bsky.social to discuss why council tax seems politically untouchable
🎧 Listen: pod.fo/e/3529c3
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
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"
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
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 Zoë Crowther
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...
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"
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
Taken from a cracking @zoecrowther.bsky.social piece on migration policy and Labour.
A policy area where conflicts aren't resolved, just parked and allowed to fester before shooting off in different directions so things feel very ad hoc and disorientating.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
A policy area where conflicts aren't resolved, just parked and allowed to fester before shooting off in different directions so things feel very ad hoc and disorientating.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
'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 2:47 PM
Taken from a cracking @zoecrowther.bsky.social piece on migration policy and Labour.
A policy area where conflicts aren't resolved, just parked and allowed to fester before shooting off in different directions so things feel very ad hoc and disorientating.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
A policy area where conflicts aren't resolved, just parked and allowed to fester before shooting off in different directions so things feel very ad hoc and disorientating.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
Here's a piece from us about a much meatier and - in the long-term - likely more consequential Labour split than the recent flash of No10 nonsense www.politicshome.com/news/article...
'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 1:09 PM
Here's a piece from us about a much meatier and - in the long-term - likely more consequential Labour split than the recent flash of No10 nonsense www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
(The immigration piece is here btw and it’s worth reading www.politicshome.com/news/article...)
'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 1:33 PM
(The immigration piece is here btw and it’s worth reading www.politicshome.com/news/article...)
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
This quote (from an interesting @politicshome piece on immigration policy) does feel like it sums up govt at the moment: we can see stuff going wrong but we’re not really sure what to do about it
November 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
This quote (from an interesting @politicshome piece on immigration policy) does feel like it sums up govt at the moment: we can see stuff going wrong but we’re not really sure what to do about it
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
“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
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
I’m at a loss to understand why anyone would think briefing this sort of thing will help KeirStarmer, the government or even themselves. Some people can’t resist, I guess, but it all a bit nuts.
November 11, 2025 at 9:50 PM
I’m at a loss to understand why anyone would think briefing this sort of thing will help KeirStarmer, the government or even themselves. Some people can’t resist, I guess, but it all a bit nuts.
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
EXC: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as they struggle to find people to stand for election
Tories Fast-Track Local Selection Rules As Party Struggles To Find Candidates
Exclusive: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as the party struggles to fin...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
EXC: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as they struggle to find people to stand for election
EXC: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as they struggle to find people to stand for election
Tories Fast-Track Local Selection Rules As Party Struggles To Find Candidates
Exclusive: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as the party struggles to fin...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
EXC: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as they struggle to find people to stand for election
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
The Tories are introducing a fast-track selection process for local election candidates amid a struggle to find people to stand
An official party document seen by PolHome sets out an easier route to selection in some wards
@zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports
An official party document seen by PolHome sets out an easier route to selection in some wards
@zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports
Tories Fast-Track Local Selection Rules As Party Struggles To Find Candidates
Exclusive: The Conservatives have introduced an optional streamlined selection process for local election candidates, as the party struggles to fin...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:27 PM
The Tories are introducing a fast-track selection process for local election candidates amid a struggle to find people to stand
An official party document seen by PolHome sets out an easier route to selection in some wards
@zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports
An official party document seen by PolHome sets out an easier route to selection in some wards
@zoecrowther.bsky.social exclusively reports
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the #COP30 summit that the race for green jobs "cannot wait"
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
Labour MP Warns Government Against Rushing 'Grand Vision' Of Transition To Net Zero
Labour MP Henry Tufnell has warned against the government moving too quickly on the clean energy transition and leaving communities behind, after P...
www.politicshome.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the #COP30 summit that the race for green jobs "cannot wait"
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
A Labour MP has warned the government against going too quickly on the clean energy transition
Henry Tufnell told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that net zero risks deindustrialisation if not done sensibly
The speed at which the country has lost oil refineries is "scary”, the MP said
Henry Tufnell told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that net zero risks deindustrialisation if not done sensibly
The speed at which the country has lost oil refineries is "scary”, the MP said
Labour MP Warns Government Against Rushing 'Grand Vision' Of Transition To Net Zero
Labour MP Henry Tufnell has warned against the government moving too quickly on the clean energy transition and leaving communities behind, after P...
www.politicshome.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:21 PM
A Labour MP has warned the government against going too quickly on the clean energy transition
Henry Tufnell told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that net zero risks deindustrialisation if not done sensibly
The speed at which the country has lost oil refineries is "scary”, the MP said
Henry Tufnell told @zoecrowther.bsky.social that net zero risks deindustrialisation if not done sensibly
The speed at which the country has lost oil refineries is "scary”, the MP said
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the #COP30 summit that the race for green jobs "cannot wait"
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
Labour MP Warns Government Against Rushing 'Grand Vision' Of Transition To Net Zero
Labour MP Henry Tufnell has warned against the government moving too quickly on the clean energy transition and leaving communities behind, after P...
www.politicshome.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the #COP30 summit that the race for green jobs "cannot wait"
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
But Labour MP Henry Tufnell has told @politicshome.bsky.social that if the govt moves too quickly on the transition to clean energy, “there will be no transition because there won't be any jobs”
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
A fantastic piece of reporting, brilliantly illustrated data, thorough, neutral analysis, transparent data collection… and frightening conclusions. Well done @skynewsrss.bsky.social for putting in long miles on this one
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:54 AM
A fantastic piece of reporting, brilliantly illustrated data, thorough, neutral analysis, transparent data collection… and frightening conclusions. Well done @skynewsrss.bsky.social for putting in long miles on this one
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
EXCL: £800k raised in Your Party launch has not yet been transferred to YP
Zarah Sultana is being accused by YP sources of delaying the transfer for political advantage
Sources close to her deny this & say her request for access to documents is reasonable 👇 www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Zarah Sultana is being accused by YP sources of delaying the transfer for political advantage
Sources close to her deny this & say her request for access to documents is reasonable 👇 www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Zarah Sultana Accused Of Delaying Transfer Of Funds To ‘Your Party’
Exclusive: Zarah Sultana, the Independent MP for Coventry South who is a director of ‘Your Party’, is being accused of failing to transfer money to...
www.politicshome.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:22 PM
EXCL: £800k raised in Your Party launch has not yet been transferred to YP
Zarah Sultana is being accused by YP sources of delaying the transfer for political advantage
Sources close to her deny this & say her request for access to documents is reasonable 👇 www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Zarah Sultana is being accused by YP sources of delaying the transfer for political advantage
Sources close to her deny this & say her request for access to documents is reasonable 👇 www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
Lots of commentary saying that it's not clear what the point of the speech is. Seems pretty clear to me. It's pitchrolling broad based tax rises in the Budget and making sure - as Reeves did with the fiscal rule change in 2024 - that it doesn't surprise the markets on the day.
Rachel Reeves' answer to @pippacrerar.bsky.social makes it crystal clear that Reeves is headed towards breaking a manifesto pledge on tax and how she will frame it - as a necessary response to "the world as it is" when the alternative would be more cuts or borrowing.
November 4, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Lots of commentary saying that it's not clear what the point of the speech is. Seems pretty clear to me. It's pitchrolling broad based tax rises in the Budget and making sure - as Reeves did with the fiscal rule change in 2024 - that it doesn't surprise the markets on the day.
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
Reform UK councils (& their cllrs) have been in the news a lot in recent weeks. But what is happening more widely?
My analysis @politicshome.bsky.social has found Reform has lost more than 5% of the cllrs it elected just 6 months ago
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
My analysis @politicshome.bsky.social has found Reform has lost more than 5% of the cllrs it elected just 6 months ago
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reform Is Losing Councillors Elected In May At An 'Unusual' Rate
Reform UK has lost more than 5 per cent of the councillors it had elected six months ago, an analysis by PoliticsHome has found.
www.politicshome.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Reform UK councils (& their cllrs) have been in the news a lot in recent weeks. But what is happening more widely?
My analysis @politicshome.bsky.social has found Reform has lost more than 5% of the cllrs it elected just 6 months ago
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
My analysis @politicshome.bsky.social has found Reform has lost more than 5% of the cllrs it elected just 6 months ago
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
The UK must use its clout to help stem the shocking violence in Darfur
✍️ Anneliese Dodds
✍️ Anneliese Dodds
The UK must use its clout to help stem the shocking violence in Darfur
Late last month, reports began to emerge that the city of el-Fasher in Sudan had fallen to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia who are one of...
www.politicshome.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The UK must use its clout to help stem the shocking violence in Darfur
✍️ Anneliese Dodds
✍️ Anneliese Dodds
Reposted by Zoë Crowther
How to avoid concreting cowpats (and other AI hokem)
Or, six questions to help scrutinise the AI system or policy solution you're being sold
Delighted to write for @thehousemag.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Or, six questions to help scrutinise the AI system or policy solution you're being sold
Delighted to write for @thehousemag.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
October 28, 2025 at 2:33 PM
How to avoid concreting cowpats (and other AI hokem)
Or, six questions to help scrutinise the AI system or policy solution you're being sold
Delighted to write for @thehousemag.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Or, six questions to help scrutinise the AI system or policy solution you're being sold
Delighted to write for @thehousemag.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...