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</script> <main id="js-site-content" role="main" class="site-content"> <div class="header-overlay"></div> <div class="ad-slot leaderboard"> </div> <section class="entry-container container"> <header class="archive-entry__header container" aria-label="Archive page header"> <img alt="Isabel Hardman" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=200" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=200 2x" class="avatar avatar-200 photo avatar-default archive-entry__header-image" height="200" width="200" decoding="async"> <h1 class="archive-entry__header-title archive-entry__header-title--author" aria-label="Articles written by Isabel Hardman">Isabel Hardman</h1> <div class="archive-entry__header-description"><p>Isabel Hardman is assistant editor of The Spectator and author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians. She also presents Radio 4’s Week in Westminster.</p> </div> <nav class="archive-filters" aria-label="Archive filters"> <ul class="archive-filters__list"> <li class="archive-filters__list-item"> <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman" aria-current="page" class="archive-filters__link">All</a> </li> <li class="archive-filters__list-item"> <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman?filter=article" class="archive-filters__link">Articles</a> </li> <li class="archive-filters__list-item"> <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman?filter=podcast" class="archive-filters__link">Podcasts</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </header> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Today</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="9 Jan 2025">9 Jan 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="lead"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-534759" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--arts-reviews highlight-color-green article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="The Natural History Museum’s new Evolution Garden is inspired">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-natural-history-museums-new-evolution-garden-is-inspired/"> The Natural History Museum’s new Evolution Garden is inspired </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">The Natural History Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in London, but its gardens have long been a bit boring – just a pavement on the way in to Alfred Waterhouse’s ornate ‘cathedral to nature’. Most people noticed them solely when the ice rink appeared at Christmas. There was a wildlife garden in</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-natural-history-museums-new-evolution-garden-is-inspired/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=1000,667 1000w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gardens-1.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Yesterday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="8 Jan 2025">8 Jan 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="one-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-535088" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Reform and Tories accused of weaponising grooming gangs scandal">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/reform-and-tories-accused-of-weaponising-grooming-gangs-scandal/"> Reform and Tories accused of weaponising grooming gangs scandal </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Unsurprisingly, the Conservative attempt to amend/kill off the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill failed tonight, with MPs voting 364 to 111 against the reasoned amendment tabled by Kemi Badenoch. The amendment declined to give the bill its second reading on the basis of a lengthy list of issues, with the call for a national inquiry</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/reform-and-tories-accused-of-weaponising-grooming-gangs-scandal/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=1001,667 1001w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Getty.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--one-up"> <article id="article-534908" class="article article--one-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Kemi Badenoch must ask better questions">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/kemi-badenoch-must-ask-better-questions/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=924,616 924w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-at-13.54.09.jpg?resize=800,533 800w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/kemi-badenoch-must-ask-better-questions/"> Kemi Badenoch must ask better questions </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Keir Starmer has not seemed in control of the grooming gangs story since it broke, but at Prime Minister’s Questions, he had a rare period of command. This was largely because he is more adept at answering questions than Kemi Badenoch currently is at asking them, and also because the Conservative line on this matter</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Tuesday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="7 Jan 2025">7 Jan 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="lead"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-534413" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Sarah Champion and the grooming gang attention span problem">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/sarah-champion-and-the-grooming-gang-attention-span-problem/"> Sarah Champion and the grooming gang attention span problem </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">There are now two debates underway about grooming gangs and how the government should investigate them further. The first is the one raging on social media, largely conducted by people who haven’t up to this point shown much interest in the issue but who are busily accusing others of not doing enough. The second is</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/sarah-champion-and-the-grooming-gang-attention-span-problem/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-629939272.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-629939272.jpg?resize=731,487 731w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-629939272.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-629939272.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-629939272.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-629939272.jpg?resize=640,427 640w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Monday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="6 Jan 2025">6 Jan 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="two-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-534376" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Wes Streeting’s ‘care plans’ are old news">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/wes-streetings-care-plans-are-old-news/"> Wes Streeting’s ‘care plans’ are old news </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">There is much that is good in today’s NHS elective recovery announcement: changes to incentives for trusts so that they are rewarded for clearing their backlogs faster; a new partnership agreement with the private sector; a proper plan for returning to 92 per cent cent of patients waiting no longer than 18 weeks from referral</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/wes-streetings-care-plans-are-old-news/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=1025,683 1025w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2173525172_08ff37.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--two-up"> <article id="article-534227" class="article article--two-up article--horizontal article--podcast article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Grooming gang row overshadows Starmer’s big NHS speech">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/grooming-gang-row-overshadows-starmers-big-nhs-speech/"> <img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?h=150px&crop=12,0,150px,150px" class="ratio-1/1" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?h=704px&crop=12,0,704px,704px 704w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?h=320px&crop=12,0,320px,320px 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?h=375px&crop=12,0,375px,375px 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?h=500px&crop=12,0,500px,500px 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?h=640px&crop=12,0,640px,640px 640w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/grooming-gang-row-overshadows-starmers-big-nhs-speech/"> Grooming gang row overshadows Starmer’s big NHS speech </a> </h3> <p class="article__duration"> <span class="article__duration-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="14" width="14" viewbox="0 0 14 12"><path d="m6.173.45-3.39 3.389a.143.143 0 0 1-.1.041H1.428c-.632 0-1.143.512-1.143 1.144v1.952c0 .632.511 1.144 1.143 1.144h1.253c.038 0 .075.015.101.042l3.39 3.389a.571.571 0 0 0 .971-.403V.855a.572.572 0 0 0-.971-.406Zm4.166 1.529a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.808 4.544 4.544 0 0 1 0 6.427.571.571 0 0 0 .808.809 5.688 5.688 0 0 0 .003-8.041l-.003-.003ZM11.74.53a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.809 6.603 6.603 0 0 1 0 9.32.573.573 0 0 0 .794.823l.014-.014a7.747 7.747 0 0 0 0-10.938Zm-2.8 2.897a.572.572 0 1 0-.81.808 2.505 2.505 0 0 1 0 3.533.572.572 0 1 0 .808.805 3.65 3.65 0 0 0 .002-5.146Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" /></svg> </span> 17 min listen </p> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">In a speech this morning, the Prime Minister unveiled his plans to tackle the NHS backlog and hit back at comments Elon Musk has made regarding grooming gangs, the government’s response to them, and about the Prime Minister’s own role in their prosecution. Whilst the Prime Minister’s speech was plagued by the familiar platitudes about</p> </div> </header>  </article> <article id="article-534190" class="article article--two-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Grooming gang row overshadows Keir Starmer’s NHS speech">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/starmer-offers-few-answers-on-the-nhs/"> <img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?resize=150,150" class="ratio-1/1" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?resize=704,704 704w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?resize=375,375 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?resize=500,500 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192102887.jpg?resize=640,640 640w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/starmer-offers-few-answers-on-the-nhs/"> Grooming gang row overshadows Keir Starmer’s NHS speech </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Keir Starmer spent a significant time this morning arguing that the last thing we need is another review and report when the government just needs to act. Unfortunately, he wasn’t talking about social care reform, but grooming gangs, which ended up dominating the question and answer session after his big NHS speech. The NHS staff</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Friday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="3 Jan 2025">3 Jan 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="one-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-533897" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--podcast article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Is Labour serious about social care reform?">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/is-labour-serious-about-social-care-reform/"> Is Labour serious about social care reform? </a> </h3> <p class="article__duration"> <span class="article__duration-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="14" width="14" viewbox="0 0 14 12"><path d="m6.173.45-3.39 3.389a.143.143 0 0 1-.1.041H1.428c-.632 0-1.143.512-1.143 1.144v1.952c0 .632.511 1.144 1.143 1.144h1.253c.038 0 .075.015.101.042l3.39 3.389a.571.571 0 0 0 .971-.403V.855a.572.572 0 0 0-.971-.406Zm4.166 1.529a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.808 4.544 4.544 0 0 1 0 6.427.571.571 0 0 0 .808.809 5.688 5.688 0 0 0 .003-8.041l-.003-.003ZM11.74.53a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.809 6.603 6.603 0 0 1 0 9.32.573.573 0 0 0 .794.823l.014-.014a7.747 7.747 0 0 0 0-10.938Zm-2.8 2.897a.572.572 0 1 0-.81.808 2.505 2.505 0 0 1 0 3.533.572.572 0 1 0 .808.805 3.65 3.65 0 0 0 .002-5.146Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" /></svg> </span> 14 min listen </p> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Happy New Year and – of course – happy new long-term social care plan. Not only has Labour announced a ‘longer-term’ solution to a problem the party itself has acknowledged is urgent by setting up a commission that won’t report until 2028, but it has also taken steps to make that reform even harder to</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/is-labour-serious-about-social-care-reform/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=1025,683 1025w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2187480265.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--one-up"> <article id="article-533882" class="article article--one-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="What’s the point of a social care review?">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/whats-the-point-of-a-social-care-review/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=1025,683 1025w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248856368.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/whats-the-point-of-a-social-care-review/"> What’s the point of a social care review? </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Whack! That’s the sound of social care reform once again being hit into the long grass. Thud! Another hit sends it into a thicket of scrub. Not only has Labour announced a ‘longer-term’ solution to a problem the party itself has acknowledged is urgent by setting up a commission that won’t report until 2028, but</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Wednesday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="18 Dec 2024">18 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="one-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-532352" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--podcast article--economics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Rising inflation will make Rachel Reeves’s job harder">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/rising-inflation-will-make-rachel-reevess-job-harder/"> Rising inflation will make Rachel Reeves’s job harder </a> </h3> <p class="article__duration"> <span class="article__duration-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="14" width="14" viewbox="0 0 14 12"><path d="m6.173.45-3.39 3.389a.143.143 0 0 1-.1.041H1.428c-.632 0-1.143.512-1.143 1.144v1.952c0 .632.511 1.144 1.143 1.144h1.253c.038 0 .075.015.101.042l3.39 3.389a.571.571 0 0 0 .971-.403V.855a.572.572 0 0 0-.971-.406Zm4.166 1.529a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.808 4.544 4.544 0 0 1 0 6.427.571.571 0 0 0 .808.809 5.688 5.688 0 0 0 .003-8.041l-.003-.003ZM11.74.53a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.809 6.603 6.603 0 0 1 0 9.32.573.573 0 0 0 .794.823l.014-.014a7.747 7.747 0 0 0 0-10.938Zm-2.8 2.897a.572.572 0 1 0-.81.808 2.505 2.505 0 0 1 0 3.533.572.572 0 1 0 .808.805 3.65 3.65 0 0 0 .002-5.146Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" /></svg> </span> 12 min listen </p> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">New figures have shown that, for the year to November, inflation rose by 2.6%. While unsurprising, how much will this impact the Chancellor’s plans going into the new year? Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Isabel Hardman about the impact on Labour, especially given their October budget. Also on the podcast: do the WASPI</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/rising-inflation-will-make-rachel-reevess-job-harder/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=1025,683 1025w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187363993.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--one-up"> <article id="article-532346" class="article article--one-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Kemi Badenoch failed to pin down Starmer at PMQs – again">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/kemi-badenoch-let-starmer-off-the-hook-at-pmqs-again/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-13.22.56.png?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-13.22.56.png?resize=729,486 729w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-13.22.56.png?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-13.22.56.png?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-13.22.56.png?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-18-at-13.22.56.png?resize=640,427 640w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/kemi-badenoch-let-starmer-off-the-hook-at-pmqs-again/"> Kemi Badenoch failed to pin down Starmer at PMQs – again </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Kemi Badenoch has become fixated on accusing Keir Starmer of not telling the truth at Prime Minister’s Questions, to the extent that she is neglecting to push him on individual issues. The Tory leader merely used the winter fuel payment, the impact of national insurance hikes on charities and hospices, and Brexit as devices for</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Monday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="16 Dec 2024">16 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="one-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-531958" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="The finger-pointing over Yang Tengbo begins">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/china-row-is-rumbling-on/"> The finger-pointing over Yang Tengbo begins </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">The threatened Commons drama of an MP using parliamentary privilege to name the alleged Chinese spy was dampened rather after the High Court lifted the anonymity order on Yang Tengbo. It meant the urgent question (UQ) in the Chamber this afternoon ended up being much more about the UK government’s attitude towards China generally –</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/china-row-is-rumbling-on/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=987,658 987w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EE6247B5-6C35-43E8-948B-CD0C808F64E9.webp?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--one-up"> <article id="article-531941" class="article article--one-up article--horizontal article--podcast article--china highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Could the local elections be cancelled?">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/could-the-local-elections-be-cancelled/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=1080,720 1080w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189545711.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/could-the-local-elections-be-cancelled/"> Could the local elections be cancelled? </a> </h3> <p class="article__duration"> <span class="article__duration-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="14" width="14" viewbox="0 0 14 12"><path d="m6.173.45-3.39 3.389a.143.143 0 0 1-.1.041H1.428c-.632 0-1.143.512-1.143 1.144v1.952c0 .632.511 1.144 1.143 1.144h1.253c.038 0 .075.015.101.042l3.39 3.389a.571.571 0 0 0 .971-.403V.855a.572.572 0 0 0-.971-.406Zm4.166 1.529a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.808 4.544 4.544 0 0 1 0 6.427.571.571 0 0 0 .808.809 5.688 5.688 0 0 0 .003-8.041l-.003-.003ZM11.74.53a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.809 6.603 6.603 0 0 1 0 9.32.573.573 0 0 0 .794.823l.014-.014a7.747 7.747 0 0 0 0-10.938Zm-2.8 2.897a.572.572 0 1 0-.81.808 2.505 2.505 0 0 1 0 3.533.572.572 0 1 0 .808.805 3.65 3.65 0 0 0 .002-5.146Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" /></svg> </span> 14 min listen </p> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Labour will reveal plans today to re-design local government, with district councils set to be abolished, and more elected mayors introduced across England. The plans could be the biggest reforms of their type since the 1970s, but with the May 2025 local elections set to be Labour’s first big electoral test since the general election,</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Friday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="13 Dec 2024">13 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="lead"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-531820" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--podcast article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Is Rachel Reeves turning into George Osborne?">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/is-rachel-reeves-turning-into-george-osborne/"> Is Rachel Reeves turning into George Osborne? </a> </h3> <p class="article__duration"> <span class="article__duration-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="14" width="14" viewbox="0 0 14 12"><path d="m6.173.45-3.39 3.389a.143.143 0 0 1-.1.041H1.428c-.632 0-1.143.512-1.143 1.144v1.952c0 .632.511 1.144 1.143 1.144h1.253c.038 0 .075.015.101.042l3.39 3.389a.571.571 0 0 0 .971-.403V.855a.572.572 0 0 0-.971-.406Zm4.166 1.529a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.808 4.544 4.544 0 0 1 0 6.427.571.571 0 0 0 .808.809 5.688 5.688 0 0 0 .003-8.041l-.003-.003ZM11.74.53a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.809 6.603 6.603 0 0 1 0 9.32.573.573 0 0 0 .794.823l.014-.014a7.747 7.747 0 0 0 0-10.938Zm-2.8 2.897a.572.572 0 1 0-.81.808 2.505 2.505 0 0 1 0 3.533.572.572 0 1 0 .808.805 3.65 3.65 0 0 0 .002-5.146Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" /></svg> </span> 18 min listen </p> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Labour is supposed to be going for growth, so Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves will be disappointed with the news today that the economy unexpectedly shrank in October, and for the second month in a row. Rachel Reeves’s mood seems to have visibly changed in the last month or so, is she having her George</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/is-rachel-reeves-turning-into-george-osborne/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=1022,681 1022w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1867482821.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Wednesday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="11 Dec 2024">11 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="lead"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-531057" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Starmer and Badenoch clash over immigration at PMQs">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/starmer-and-badenoch-clash-over-immigration/"> Starmer and Badenoch clash over immigration at PMQs </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch had quite an angry clash at today’s Prime Minister’s Questions. The Tory leader attacked on immigration, something Starmer had previously mocked her for avoiding. The questions and answers quickly descended into a bit of a grudge match about who actually cared about it. Badenoch’s first question was why immigration had</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/starmer-and-badenoch-clash-over-immigration/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled.jpg?resize=738,492 738w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled.jpg?resize=640,427 640w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Monday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="9 Dec 2024">9 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="lead"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-530632" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Will Labour engage with HTS?">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/will-labour-engage-with-hts/"> Will Labour engage with HTS? </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Is the fall of Bashar al-Assad really cause for celebration in Syria and across the world? UK government politicians have been trying to separate the relief of the dictator’s departure from any sense of celebration about what comes after. This afternoon in the House of Commons, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Assad was a ‘monster’,</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/will-labour-engage-with-hts/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/44_SpecTV_440x330new-syria_9Dec24.png?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/44_SpecTV_440x330new-syria_9Dec24.png?resize=495,330 495w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/44_SpecTV_440x330new-syria_9Dec24.png?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/44_SpecTV_440x330new-syria_9Dec24.png?resize=375,250 375w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Thursday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="5 Dec 2024">5 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="one-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-529741" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Justin Welby says goodbye">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/justin-welby-says-goodbye/"> Justin Welby says goodbye </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Justin Welby has given his valedictory speech in the House of Lords, his first public remarks since his resignation. It was quite a sad speech in which the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury didn’t appear to know quite what he wanted to say about his own departure. He started by joking that ‘if you want to</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/justin-welby-says-goodbye/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1423612697.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1423612697.jpg?resize=731,487 731w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1423612697.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1423612697.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1423612697.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-1423612697.jpg?resize=640,427 640w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--one-up"> <article id="article-529681" class="article article--one-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="The problem with Keir Starmer’s pledges">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-problem-with-keir-starmers-pledges/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=1023,682 1023w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2187490243.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=108,108 108w" sizes="(max-width: 176px) 100vw, 176px"> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-problem-with-keir-starmers-pledges/"> The problem with Keir Starmer’s pledges </a> </h3> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Keir Starmer still clearly misses opposition. He spent almost as much of his reset speech complaining about the Tories and the mess he feels they made of things as he did talking about what he is actually doing. It’s almost as though government has turned out to be harder and less enjoyable than even he</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> <div class="mosaic mosaic--horizontal"> <div class="mosaic__date"> <div class="archive-entry__date"> <h4 class="archive-entry__day">Wednesday</h4> <time class="archive-entry__timestamp" datetime="4 Dec 2024">4 Dec 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="mosaic__grid mosaic__grid-singles" data-grid="one-up"> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--lead-up"> <article id="article-529581" class="article article--lead-up article--horizontal article--podcast article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-right" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Spectator Awards: Nigel Farage promises a ‘political revolution’">   <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <h3 class="article__title"> <a class="article__title-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/spectator-awards-nigel-farage-promises-a-political-revolution/"> Spectator Awards: Nigel Farage promises a ‘political revolution’ </a> </h3> <p class="article__duration"> <span class="article__duration-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="14" width="14" viewbox="0 0 14 12"><path d="m6.173.45-3.39 3.389a.143.143 0 0 1-.1.041H1.428c-.632 0-1.143.512-1.143 1.144v1.952c0 .632.511 1.144 1.143 1.144h1.253c.038 0 .075.015.101.042l3.39 3.389a.571.571 0 0 0 .971-.403V.855a.572.572 0 0 0-.971-.406Zm4.166 1.529a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.808 4.544 4.544 0 0 1 0 6.427.571.571 0 0 0 .808.809 5.688 5.688 0 0 0 .003-8.041l-.003-.003ZM11.74.53a.57.57 0 0 0-.808.809 6.603 6.603 0 0 1 0 9.32.573.573 0 0 0 .794.823l.014-.014a7.747 7.747 0 0 0 0-10.938Zm-2.8 2.897a.572.572 0 1 0-.81.808 2.505 2.505 0 0 1 0 3.533.572.572 0 1 0 .808.805 3.65 3.65 0 0 0 .002-5.146Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" /></svg> </span> 12 min listen </p> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p class="article__excerpt-text">Last night was The Spectator’s Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. Politicians of every stripe were in attendance, with Wes Streeting, Robert Jenrick and Stephen Flynn among those present. There were a number of notable speeches – including a fiery opening monologue from the Health Secretary – but none caused as much of a stir as</p> </div> </header>  <figure class="article__image article__image-right"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/spectator-awards-nigel-farage-promises-a-political-revolution/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=1025,683 1025w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Farage-copy.jpg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure> </article> </div> <div class="mosaic__tile mosaic__tile--one-up"> <article id="article-529562" class="article article--one-up article--horizontal article--post article--politics highlight-color-red article--image-left" data-analytics-id="" data-analytics-kicker="" data-analytics-author="" aria-label="Named and shamed: the PMQs time wasters">  <figure class="article__image article__image-left"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/named-and-shamed-the-pmqs-time-wasters/"> <img width="440" height="293" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=440,293" class="ratio-6/4" alt="" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=1025,683 1025w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=320,213 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=375,250 375w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=500,333 500w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=640,427 640w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=800,533 800w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Gd9jR2NWEAAaV7_.jpeg?resize=980,653 980w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" decoding="async"> </a> </figure>  <header class="article__header"> <a class="article__author article__author--link" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/"> Isabel Hardman </a> <img width="176" height="176" src="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?w=176" class="avatar avatar-176 photo article__avatar wp-post-image" alt="Isabel Hardman" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png 512w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=203,203 203w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=100,100 100w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=200,200 200w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=330,330 330w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=156,156 156w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=284,284 284w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=232,232 232w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=320,320 320w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=68,68 68w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=56,56 56w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=368,368 368w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=250,250 250w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=358,358 358w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=247,247 247w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=190,190 190w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=196,196 196w, https://www.spectator.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Isabel_H.png?resize=65,65 65w, 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You get a spot on the order paper for this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions. What could you possibly ask your party leader</p> </div> </header>  </article> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-separator"></div> </div> </section> <section class="pagination" aria-label="Pagination"> <div class="container"> <nav class="navigation pagination__nav" aria-label="Post navigation"> <h2 class="screen-reader-text">Posts navigation</h2> <div class="nav-links"> <ul class="page-numbers"> <li><span aria-current="page" class="page-numbers current"><span class="visually-hidden">Page </span>1</span></li><li><a class="page-numbers" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/page/2/"><span class="visually-hidden">Page </span>2</a></li><li><a class="page-numbers" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/page/3/"><span class="visually-hidden">Page </span>3</a></li><li><span class="page-numbers dots">…</span></li><li><a class="next page-numbers" href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/page/2/">Next<svg class="pagination__chevron" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="12" width="12" viewbox="0 0 14 24"><path d="M.332 12.797 11.373 23.67c.44.44 1.153.44 1.594 0l.665-.666c.44-.44.44-1.153 0-1.593L4.043 12l9.58-9.41c.44-.441.44-1.154 0-1.594L12.957.33a1.126 1.126 0 0 0-1.593 0L.322 11.203a1.134 1.134 0 0 0 .01 1.594Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" /></svg></a></li> </ul> </div> </nav> <nav class="pagination__nav pagination__nav--mobile" aria-label="Post Navigation Mobile"> <ul class="page-numbers"> <li class="page-numbers__item page-numbers__item-next"> <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/isabel-hardman/page/2/" class="next page-numbers button button--primary-light"> Next<svg class="pagination__chevron" role="presentation" focusable="false" height="12" width="12" viewbox="0 0 14 24"><path d="M.332 12.797 11.373 23.67c.44.44 1.153.44 1.594 0l.665-.666c.44-.44.44-1.153 0-1.593L4.043 12l9.58-9.41c.44-.441.44-1.154 0-1.594L12.957.33a1.126 1.126 0 0 0-1.593 0L.322 11.203a1.134 1.134 0 0 0 .01 1.594Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" /></svg> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </section> </main>  <footer id="js-site-footer" class="site-footer" aria-label="The Spectator Footer" role="contentinfo"> <div class="site-footer__inner container">  <nav class="site-footer__menu" aria-label="Useful links" role="navigation"> <h5 class="site-footer__heading">Useful links</h5> <ul id="menu-useful-links" class=""><li id="menu-item-429585" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-429585"><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/faqs/" class="site-footer__link" data-analytics-id="Footer - 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