Deputy Director Adam Hawksbee writes on the secret weapon the Tories must utilise if they find themselves in opposition, mayors. He writes:
“What the Conservatives need is a new wave of mayors in their heartlands, north and south. A new mayor for Surrey to provide an authentic conservative voice on the countryside and environment, and visible leadership to a council with a budget of over £1bn. A new mayor for Cumbria, banging the drum for advanced manufacturing and new nuclear projects on the Scottish borders. Some places are already on track: the East Midlands will elect a new mayor next year, with Mansfield MP and Nottinghamshire Council leader Ben Bradley stepping up as the Conservative choice.
One area has the most potential to elect the Tory’s Burnham: Essex. A mayor in this true-blue county could be a pro-Brexit, Boris-style challenger to a more buttoned-up Starmer administration. They could steward a growing regional economy while channelling the frustration of some of Britain’s most left-behind and socially conservative coastal communities. If the general election doesn’t go to plan, a number of high-profile former MPs might relish the opportunity.
In selecting their candidates, the Conservatives don’t need to focus on ideological purity. A range of voices from different wings of the party could support a more effective renewal. The reality is that different parts of the country will want different sorts of politics and policies – one of the core arguments in favour of devolution.”
You can read the whole op-ed here.
'The Observer' quotes figures from Onward's 'Breaking Blue' report which breaks down the results of the 2024 election. They use the figures to make a case for what the next Tory leader need to prioritise.
'Conservative Home' mentions Onward's 'The British Entrepreneur' report. The article quotes Onward's findings that British workers are becoming “unusually risk-averse” when it comes to setting up their own business.
Onward's 'Capital Issues' report is quoted in a 'Financial Times' article on AIM markets and UK small-cap stocks.
'The Financial Times' covers Onward's 'Capital Issue' report which calls for the abolition of London's AIM markets.
A 'CityAM' article about abolishing London's AIM markets quotes Onward's 'Capital Issues' report.
'CityAM' quotes Onward's 'Capital Issues' report, which calls for the immediate abolition of London's AIM market.