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Matilda Martin

@matilda__martin

matildamartin.bsky.social

Matilda Martin is a Political Reporter at PoliticsHome. Previously, she was a Senior Reporter at the Times Educational Supplement

Darren Jones Says He Will Not Stand Against Andy Burnham For Labour Leadership
Political parties
Darren Jones Says He Will Not Stand Against Andy Burnham For Labour Leadership
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has said he will not be standing in a leadership contest for Labour leader, bringing Andy Burnham one step closer to No 10.
PM Is Now Reflecting On 'Political Realities', Admits Cabinet Ally
Political parties
PM Is Now Reflecting On "Political Realities", Admits Cabinet Ally
A cabinet minister has admitted that Keir Starmer is taking time to think through "the political realities" facing him amid a growing expectation that he will agree to resign.
Reform Council Leader Under Investigation For Sharing Contract With Reform HQ
Communities
Reform Council Leader Under Investigation For Sharing Contract With Reform HQ
Exclusive: The leader of Reform-run Lincolnshire is being investigated by his own council after claiming to have shared a local authority contract with senior party figure Zia Yusuf.
Greens Will 'Throw Everything' At Manchester Mayoral Election, Says Caroline Lucas
Political parties
Greens Will "Throw Everything" At Manchester Mayoral Election, Says Caroline Lucas
Exclusive: The Greens "will be throwing everything" at the contest to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor, their former leader Caroline Lucas has said.
What Did Makerfield Reveal About Restore Britain's Threat To Farage?
Political parties
What Did Makerfield Reveal About Restore Britain's Threat To Farage?
Following defeat in Makerfield, Nigel Farage has urged Restore Britain supporters to "think again" about voting for Rupert Lowe's party, warning that they risk making a Labour victory at the next general election more likely. 
PM Says He Wants Andy Burnham To Have A 'Big Role' In Government
Political parties
PM Says He Wants Andy Burnham To Have A "Big Role" In Government
Keir Starmer has suggested that he would offer Andy Burnham a cabinet job if the Greater Manchester Mayor wins the Makerfield by-election on Thursday.
PM Announces Under-16 Social Media Ban In 'Big Moment For Our Country'
Technology
PM Announces Under-16 Social Media Ban In "Big Moment For Our Country"
Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government will ban social media for under-16s. 
Dan Jarvis Appointed Defence Secretary After John Healey Resigns
Defence
Dan Jarvis Appointed Defence Secretary After John Healey Resigns
Dan Jarvis has been appointed as Defence Secretary following the resignation of John Healey on Thursday.
Healey Resignation Is 'Colossal Failure Of Government', Says Former Labour Defence Secretary
Defence
Healey Resignation Is "Colossal Failure Of Government", Says Former Labour Defence Secretary
A former Labour defence secretary has warned Keir Starmer that his credibility "will be shot" if he doesn't rethink military spending plans in the wake of John Healey's resignation.
Meet The Royal Ballet And Opera Apprentices Proving Timothée Chalamet Wrong
Education
By Matilda Martin
Meet The Royal Ballet And Opera Apprentices Proving Timothée Chalamet Wrong
Six times a year, the Royal Ballet and Opera holds school matinees. Matilda Martin meets some of those who went from auditorium to working backstage as it tries to shake off its elitist reputation
Mandelson Said The Starmer Operation Needed 'Complete Revamp', New Messages Show
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
Mandelson Said The Starmer Operation Needed "Complete Revamp", New Messages Show
The former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, told a cabinet minister that Keir Starmer's No 10 operation required a "complete revamp and infusion of purpose" in a series of WhatsApp messages last year, the latest tranche of documents relating to Mandelson’s appointment show.
The First Restore Britain University Societies Are Being Created
Education
By Matilda Martin
The First Restore Britain University Societies Are Being Created
The University of York's Restore Britain society is the first to be ratified at a Russell Group institution. PoliticsHome speaks to its president about how the society hopes to help Rupert Lowe and why billionaire Elon Musk's support for the party could be a "double-edged sword".
Making Money Shouldn't Be Universities' Priority, Says Zack Polanski
Education
By Matilda Martin
Making Money Shouldn't Be Universities' Priority, Says Zack Polanski
Exclusive: The UK should stop treating university students like customers, Green Party leader Zack Polanski will say on Thursday.
Vetting System 'Needs Improvement', Senior Green Admits
Communities
By Matilda Martin
Vetting System "Needs Improvement", Senior Green Admits
The Green Party’s vetting system “needs improvement”, a party leader has told PoliticsHome, amid reports of anti-semitism within Zack Polanski's ranks.
Children Are Turning To AI Chatbots For Mental Health Support
Health
By Matilda Martin
Children Are Turning To AI Chatbots For Mental Health Support
New data shows young people are turning to AI chatbots for mental health support. Could the trend be an effective way of relieving pressure on an overburdened health service, or are we already playing catch-up in our attempts to limit the fallout? Matilda Martin investigates
Wes Streeting Resigns As Health Secretary
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
Wes Streeting Resigns As Health Secretary
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from the Cabinet, saying it is "now clear" that Keir Starmer will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election.
What We Can Expect From The King's Speech
Parliament
What We Can Expect From The King's Speech
On Wednesday, Charles III will deliver the King's Speech in Parliament, setting out the government’s plans for policies and legislation for the coming parliamentary session. 
Labour Mayor Says Andy Burnham's Return To Government Should Not Be Blocked
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
Labour Mayor Says Andy Burnham's Return To Government Should Not Be Blocked
Exclusive: Labour mayor Helen Godwin has told PoliticsHome that Manchester mayor Andy Burnham "should not be blocked" from returning to Westminster and that she "wouldn't dislike the idea" of Burnham being Prime Minister.
We're Going To Need A Bigger Stick: Britain Seeks AI Sovereignty
Foreign affairs
We're Going To Need A Bigger Stick: Britain Seeks AI Sovereignty
Britain has now made clear that it wants AI sovereignty, of a kind. But there are numerous hurdles in the way, reports Matilda Martin. For a seat at the table with the US and China, say experts, we’re going to need a bigger stick
'Beyond A Shit Show': Labour MPs In London Push For Comms Change
Communities
By Matilda Martin
"Beyond A Shit Show": Labour MPs In London Push For Comms Change
Labour’s grip on two-thirds of councils in London came to an end on Thursday, with the number of red councils falling from 21 to just nine. London Labour MPs are angry, after the city, long seen as safe Labour territory, suffered heavy losses on Thursday as voters looked to register their dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer’s government.
Sadiq Khan Says Labour Faces 'Existential' Crisis And Warns Greens Are The Biggest Threat
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
Sadiq Khan Says Labour Faces "Existential" Crisis And Warns Greens Are The Biggest Threat
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that the Labour Party faces an "existential" threat nationwide, and described London's results as "bitterly disappointing".
The Reform Wave Reaches Kemi Badenoch's Backyard
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
The Reform Wave Reaches Kemi Badenoch's Backyard
Reform's dominant victory in Essex will likely be one of the local election results most worrying Kemi Badenoch.
'We Can't Be Going Backwards': Tories Warn Party Against Local Elections Complacency
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
"We Can't Be Going Backwards": Tories Warn Party Against Local Elections Complacency
This week’s local elections will be painful for the two main parties. The scale of the Labour losses and the implications for Keir Starmer’s future mean the Conservatives will avoid being the main headline this weekend. However, there is concern among some Tories that their party is complacent about its own electoral situation.
Complaints Against Councillors Soar Since Last Year's Local Elections
Communities
By Matilda Martin
Complaints Against Councillors Soar Since Last Year's Local Elections
Complaints made against councillors' conduct have risen sharply at local authorities that held elections last year, figures obtained by PoliticsHome show.
Labour MP To Push For Domestic Political Donation Cap
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
Labour MP To Push For Domestic Political Donation Cap
Exclusive: Donations to political parties made by people in the UK would be capped at £1m under plans being drawn up by a Labour MP.
Sir Robert Buckland: Politicians Who 'Bleat On' About Overdiagnosis 'Literally Don't Know What They're Talking About'
Education
Sir Robert Buckland: Politicians Who "Bleat On" About Overdiagnosis "Literally Don't Know What They're Talking About"
Former cabinet minister Robert Buckland, a SEND campaigner and parent to an autistic child, speaks to Matilda Martin about why the government’s approach could fail those with the most complex needs, and what lessons can be learned from mistakes made by the Tories
Companies Housing Vulnerable People Could Face New Conditions To Receive Taxpayers' Money
Communities
Companies Housing Vulnerable People Could Face New Conditions To Receive Taxpayers' Money
The government could bring in stipulations for companies that receive public money to house vulnerable people, like Travelodge, PoliticsHome understands.
PM Says It Is 'Staggering' And 'Unforgiveable' He Wasn't Told About Mandelson Vetting Failure
Foreign affairs
PM Says It Is "Staggering" And "Unforgiveable" He Wasn't Told About Mandelson Vetting Failure
Keir Starmer has said he is "absolutely furious" that he wasn't told that Lord Mandelson failed security vetting before being appointed US ambassador.
Asylum Reforms Could Put More Pressure On Mental Health Services, Home Office Warned
Health
Asylum Reforms Could Put More Pressure On Mental Health Services, Home Office Warned
A group of charities and medical organisations has warned the Home Secretary that stricter rules for people claiming asylum in the UK could put "further pressure on over-stretched NHS mental health services".
Labour MP Says 'Harmful' Jury Trial Reforms Are A 'Distraction' As Rebellion Grows
Communities
Labour MP Says "Harmful" Jury Trial Reforms Are A "Distraction" As Rebellion Grows
The plan to reduce the use of jury trials is a "distraction" from the real reasons for the court backlog, a Labour MP has said, as the government braces for the prospect of a major backbench rebellion over the reforms.
Student Loans To Be Capped At 6 Per Cent As Iran War Drives Inflation
Education
Student Loans To Be Capped At 6 Per Cent As Iran War Drives Inflation
Interest rates on some student loans will be capped at six per cent from September amid the conflict in the Middle East, the government has announced.
Are The Lib Dems Still Haunted By Tuition Fees?
Education
Are The Lib Dems Still Haunted By Tuition Fees?
The issue of student loans has recently exploded into life, with the government's decision to freeze the repayment threshold prompting outrage and a debate about major reform. Now that more than 15 years have passed since their highly-damaging tuition fees U-turn, are the Lib Dems ready to talk about student loans again?
Travelodge Given Almost £70m In Public Money Since 2022 Hotel Room Assault
Communities
Travelodge Given Almost £70m In Public Money Since 2022 Hotel Room Assault
There are growing questions over whether Travelodge should continue to receive taxpayers' money after PoliticsHome revealed that the public sector had given the hotel chain over £68m since a woman was sexually assaulted in one of its rooms in 2022.
Rail And Bus Fares Should Be Cut To Protect Public From Iran Petrol Spike, Says Ed Davey
Economy
Rail And Bus Fares Should Be Cut To Protect Public From Iran Petrol Spike, Says Ed Davey
Ed Davey has called for the government to reduce public transport fares to protect people from cost-of-living pressures triggered by the Iran war.
PM Warns Reopening Strait Of Hormuz 'Will Not Be Easy'
Economy
PM Warns Reopening Strait Of Hormuz "Will Not Be Easy"
Keir Starmer has warned that attempts to resume the vital flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz "will not be easy" in a Downing Street statement on the Iran war.
Labour Suspends Outspoken MP Karl Turner
Political parties
By Matilda Martin
Labour Suspends Outspoken MP Karl Turner
Karl Turner MP has had the Labour whip suspended after a series of strong public criticisms of No 10 and government policy.