All articles written by Harriet Symonds on PoliticsHome.com

30 Sep Political parties

Richard Tice: 'Despite my views on net-zero, I do have a Tesla'

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice talks to Harriet Symonds about his relationship with the Conservative Party, rumours of a rift with Nigel Farage, and why he drives an electric car. Photography Louise Haywood-Schiefer

25 Sep Foreign affairs

Who Will Be Keir Starmer's Ambassador To The US?

Alongside the tight race to the White House, the coveted job of UK ambassador to the US is up for grabs. Harriet Symonds finds out who’s in the running for the job and digs into how Labour is preparing for a renewed special relationship with the US.

24 Sep Political parties

"You Are Scared”: Uma Kumaran Says Abuse Nearly Made Her Give Up Dreams Of Being An MP

Former Keir Starmer aide Uma Kumaran talks to Harriet Symonds about working for Loto, a gloomy economic forecast, and fears for her safety. Photography by Louise Haywood-Schiefer

14 Sep Political parties

Where Could Lib Dem Tribes Emerge?

With more MPs than ever before, the Liberal Democrats have a task on their hands to keep the newly expanded party in line. Can the 72 stay united?

07 Sep Political parties

The Lib Dem MP Who Took Ex-Offenders To Work In Trump's Embassy

Lib Dem rising star Josh Babarinde talks to Harriet Symonds about marching against the Coalition, his friendship with Labour’s prisons minister and taking ex-offenders into the US embassy. Photography by Tom Pilston

22 Jul Parliament

Helen Grant Vows To Make Parliament More Family Friendly If She Becomes Deputy Speaker

Helen Grant would make history again by becoming Parliament’s first ever Black deputy speaker. “Another glass ceiling will come crashing down,” says the former minister.

10 Jul Political parties

Tory MP Accuses New 1922 Chair Of Lacking "Proper Mandate"

Conservative MP Mark Francois angrily confronted the newly elected chair of the 1922 Committee Bob Blackman in a parliamentary bar on Tuesday night, accusing Blackman of not having “a proper mandate”.

06 Jul Political parties

Enter the Fox: How Nigel Farage turned the 2024 election on its head

Nigel Farage said at first it wasn’t the right time to stand; it turned out to be the best time. Harriet Symonds reports on how he finally won a seat in parliament – and what he does now

01 Jul Political parties

Tory Candidate In Clacton Says Reform Rallies Are "Reminiscent" Of "Nuremberg"

The Conservative candidate going up against Nigel Farage in Clacton on 4 July has described Reform UK rallies as “reminiscent of the big rallies at Nuremberg” where Adolf Hitler addressed supporters of the Nazi Party.

10 Jun Political parties

Making Plans For Nigel: Reform Counts The Cash After Farage's Comeback

Senior figures in Reform UK admit they were “blindsided” by Nigel Farage’s comeback as leader but insist they are delighted as the cash rolls in from new members.

07 Jun Political parties

Reform Candidate Dislodged By Nigel Farage To Run As Independent Against Him

The former Reform UK candidate for Clacton, Anthony Mack, is preparing to stand against Nigel Farage as an independent.

03 Jun Political parties

Campaign Security Offered To All Election Candidates For First Time

For the first time, all general election candidates will be offered basic security during the campaign, PoliticsHome understands.

25 May Political parties

Why Keir Starmer Has Everything To Lose From TV Debates

TV debates can change the game in a general election. With Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer up 20 points in the opinion polls, he has everything to lose.

30 Apr Energy

Just Stop Oil: How far is too far?

Direct action groups like Just Stop Oil are increasingly targeting MPs and their homes. Harriet Symonds asks how far is too far?

18 Apr Communities

Scrolls of Doom: Why Gen Z is shunning the church

Young adults – Britain’s loneliest generation – are shunning an institution that offers connection and meaning. The church’s failure to attract Generation Z is bad for both, finds Harriet Symonds. Illustration by Tracy Worrall

28 Mar Health

Botched and Botoxed: The 'wild west' of cosmetic procedures

Non-surgical beauty procedures are becoming increasingly popular – and creating an unregulated industry that risks lives as a result. Harriet Symonds reports on the new medical ‘wild west’

26 Mar Foreign affairs

Commander In Truth: Why Donald Trump is staying faithful to Truth Social

Donald Trump’s tweets once had the world’s media holding its breath. Now he’s a presidential candidate again, Harriet Symonds explores why Trump is staying faithful to his platform Truth Social – even if it costs him voters. Illustration by Tracy Worrall

07 Dec 2023 Home affairs

Blue on Blue: Has the government set the Met up to fail at protests?

As tensions rise over the Gaza conflict, the Met has come under intense scrutiny over its handling of protests. Harriet Symonds explores whether the police are falling short or being put in an impossible position