The sweeping, costly reforms needed to relieve overcrowded jails will test Labour’s resolve in persuading the public
New mayoral planning abilities could drive growth but cause political pain — while funding remains another blocker
Prime minister points to early progress despite rocky start to government
TUC chief Paul Nowak calls for prime minister to set out road map on public services and see off populist right
Historical trends point to recurring wins for the Tories and the importance of party leaders in shaping the contest
Plunging poll ratings have sapped morale as UK Labour government crawls towards Christmas break
From a soaked Sunak to awkward remarks, this year stood out to the FT’s deputy political editor in many ways
Tulip Siddiq has cited the support of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, and her Awami League party
Call comes after reports that Elon Musk could make large gift to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK
Chancellor plans set-piece new year speech to reboot growth ‘mission’ as invidious fiscal choices loom
But Keir Starmer needs his government to show an organising purpose that has been absent so far
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch nominated six people to join the House of Lords
Cicero chair Iain Anderson named as a non-executive director of business department
Former Labour minister is expected to try to avert a trade war with incoming Trump administration
Former Cabinet ministers are among six Conservatives set to enter Lords
With growth at the heart of his policy platform, the prime minister is remarkably passive on the economy
Sadiq Khan’s landslide mayoral win showed candidates matter though other factors can change the outcome
Funding fears loom over UK government’s plan to improve struggling services through franchising powers
Proposals for larger, single authorities target economic growth but risk losing the community connection
Previous Tory governments kept breaking promises and eroding trust — would setting a range of targets be any better?
Both Labour and Tories say membership of CPTPP will bring benefits but these will be dwarfed by Brexit-related losses
The system would include sub-targets for different types of visas
Weaker business and consumer confidence contribute to lacklustre economy
October contraction marks second consecutive fall and deals blow to Labour government’s economic agenda
Also in this newsletter, Scotland’s drive to end child poverty
