IfG Events

The Labour government will have been in power for nearly two months by the time parliament returns on 2 September. We have already seen a King’s Speech, a major statement on the public finances, an overhaul of the planning system, big plans for clean power – and more. So what have we learned since Keir Starmer became prime minister – and what comes next for government and British politics? Ministers – and opposition MPs – are braced for busy couple of months ahead. What legislation is coming down the track in parliament? How significant is Rachel Reeves’ upcoming budget? Is there more clarity about mission-led government and how the prime minister wants his No.10 to work? How is the Conservative Party leadership contest progressing? And how significant will the party conference season be for Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak and Ed Davey? To discuss these questions and more, this Institute for Government webinar brought together an expert panel featuring: Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow the Institute for GovernmentAlex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for GovernmentGiles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer's Labour government faces a daunting public services overhaul. With many systems worse off since the pandemic, experts discuss how to tackle these challenges on a tight budget. Key sectors like health, education, and local government are in urgent need of reform. Innovative strategies and improved collaboration are crucial for service improvement. The conversation also highlights the need for transparent funding discussions and a balanced approach to higher education challenges. Can radical policies reshape public services for the better?

The chancellor has set out her audit of public spending to MPs. Revealing what she calls a multi-billion pound “black hole” in the government finances, Rachel Reeves has vowed “to fix the mess we inherited” from the Conservative government.So do these sums add up and what do they mean for public services? Should this inheritance come as a surprise to Labour and what does it mean for the party’s manifesto pledges? And what is Rachel Reeves’ plan – which could involve tax rises or spending cuts – for dealing with the problem?To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including: Olly Bartrum, Senior Economist at the Institute for Government Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government The webinar was chaired by Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The discussion dives into the urgent need for the UK government to rethink its capital spending on vital public services like education, healthcare, and prisons. It highlights misallocation of budgets leading to deteriorating facilities and emphasizes a strategic, multi-year approach to enhance service delivery. Experts advocate for decentralization and innovative funding models, while also stressing the importance of integrating community needs into planning. The conversation also evaluates the complexities of social infrastructure investment and the necessity for long-term financial commitments.

The King’s Speech set out Sir Keir Starmer’s legislative agenda for government and revealed his priorities for the parliamentary session. Following the State Opening of Parliament, the IfG expert team – with guest Chris White, who for half a decade was responsible for managing and planning the last government’s legislative programme – explored what the King’s Speech reveals about Keir Starmer’s plans for government.Presented by Hannah White, with Alex Thomas, Jill Rutter and Chris White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A general election brings the appointment of a whole host of new ministers, and on day one in government they begin a job like no other.Former shadow ministers may be familiar with their new policy portfolio, but ministerial life is very different to opposition. The switch from leading a small team to heading up departments with hundreds or thousands of civil servants, and from issuing press releases to making life-changing policy decisions, happens overnight.But ministers too often overlook how they can move beyond ‘on the job’ learning and get the most out of their ministerial careers. So how can ministers get the support they need to succeed in government? What benefits are there in investing in professional development? What skills do ministers and other executives need to be effective leaders? And what support is available to ministers seeking to develop their skills in government?To explore these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including: Rt Hon Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top, former Chief Whip Dr Paul Chapman, Senior Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Rt Hon Chloe Smith, former Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Ruth Turner, Senior Director at the Forward Institute and former Director of Government Relations in the Prime Minister’s Office The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer used his first speech as prime minister to declare that the “work of change begins immediately”. But how will the Labour government approach the complex policy challenges that it has inherited? And how will it start making progress on new promises? From freeing up space in crowded prisons to turning around struggling public services, delivering clean energy and kickstarting economic growth, the government’s to-do list is daunting. Labour has promised to “change how Britain is governed” in order to deliver its aims in government – but how will this work in practice? What does Labour’s ‘mission-led’ approach mean for the way government operates? How will central government work with locally elected mayors? And what do Keir Starmer’s cabinet appointments – and the way he has structured his centre of government – tell us about how his plan for government will work?The FT’s Jen Williams joined us to discuss Keir Starmer’s first week as prime minister and what it tells us about how he intends to govern Britain.Chaired by Hannah White with Joe Owen and Emma Norris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Friday will be day one in government for the winner of the general election. But there will be no chance for anyone to catch their breath after a gruelling campaign. The job begins at once.So what should civil servants be braced to expect as ministers are appointed to their new roles? How can special advisers best prepare for that frenetic first 24 hours? And what actually awaits a prime minister as they step through that famous No10 door?The IfG goes behind the scenes of the first day in government after a general election – and reveals what civil servants, officials and ministers can expect to happen next.Salma Shah, former Government special adviser (2014-2019)Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the IfGAlex Thomas, Programme Director at the IfGEmma Norris, Deputy Director at the IfG (Chair) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manifesto launches are a significant moment in any general election campaign, and Thursday’s publication of Labour’s manifesto is a big chance for Keir Starmer to set out how his party would govern if it wins the general election on 4 July.So how plausible are the manifesto’s plans? What are the big dividing lines with the Conservatives? How would a Labour government pay for public services? And what does the manifesto tell us about the priorities of a Labour government after 14 years in opposition?In this General Election 2024 webinar, the Institute for Government gives an expert briefing on what is in the Labour manifesto – and what it would mean for government.Panellists included:Sam Freedman, author of Failed StateStuart Hoddinott, Senior Researcher at the Institute for GovernmentGemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for GovernmentEmma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government (chair) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manifesto launches are a significant moment in any general election campaign, and Tuesday’s publication of the Conservative manifesto is a big opportunity for Rishi Sunak’s party to set out its vision for government if it wins the general election on 4 July.So what are the flagship policies? Do the tax and spending numbers add up? How plausible and credible are the manifesto’s plans? And, after 14 years of power, how much of a break is this manifesto from previous Conservative policies and priorities?In this general election 2024 webinar, the Institute for Government gives you an essential expert briefing on what is in the Conservative manifesto – and what it would mean for government.Panellists included: Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government (chair) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices