Whatever you think of Tory Keane Duncan’s eye-catching pledge to buy Scarborough’s Grand Hotel, it shows how mayoral races bring energy and ideas into politics, breaking the stifling Westminster mould.
Far too often, regional elections are seen through a national lens — which party is up or down, and what it means for the Government of the day. The rapid rise of mayoralties is slowly changing that dynamic. With ten to be elected this year and six more next – England’s politics is transforming to be more local.
✍️ Research
New inflation figures in America show the battle to reduce post-pandemic and Ukraine war price rises is far from over. Tensions in the Middle East are contributing to higher crude oil prices, making getting back to a 2% inflation target even harder – meaning higher interest rates for longer.
On this side of the pond, Rishi Sunak has successfully halved inflation. But the UK – more so than the USA and many European neighbours – is exposed to global price shocks thanks to our reliance on gas, and inflation remains twice the national target. This is why Onward launched its Inflation Prevention Project, chaired by Ben Caldecott, earlier this year.
Global crises, climate change, and fossil fuels are driving inflation across the globe. We need to build a more resilient economy if we are to protect families and businesses from these price shocks, so once inflation is down, it stays low. More from Onward on this soon.
📰 Media Mentions
Onward’s Director Sebastian Payne wrote in the i about how the evidence-led Cass Review shows a way through toxic culture wars.
Deputy Director Adam Hawksbee discussed the differences between Westminster and Mayoral elections in CityAM.
Future of Conservatism Project Director Gavin Rice joins Henry Hill, Katy Balls, and Paul Scully MP to discuss what’s next for the Conservatives on Politics Home podcast.
🌐 Onward Online
Senior Researcher Callum Newton on the decline of neighbourhood policing in Durham:
Worrying news from @TheNorthernEcho that recorded incidents of neighbourhood crime have jumped 24% in Durham in the first three quarters of 2023/24.
A quick thread on the crime data and police numbers across County Durham🧵🚨https://t.co/1V3o3vqRL0
Future thinking will require boldness & trade-offs. Conservatism must broaden its offer to a wider range of age groups, social classes and regions.https://t.co/LEc1AZbzUi
Social enterprises spread wealth, create good jobs, protect high streets, and ease pressure on the overburdened public sector. If more businesses were mission-led, the government wouldn’t have to work so hard to mop up environmental disasters or shore up low-wage earners.
With Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP, this panel will bring together leading experts to discuss the nature of the problem facing the UK and firms today and what needs to change to ensure that social enterprises become more common in communities.
The UK needs a resilient digital economy to boost productivity, but faltering connectivity is holding us back. When vital networks break down, businesses can lose millions in minutes, and productivity crashes.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez MP joins us to explore how to expand reliable connectivity across the country to support businesses and boost productivity.
