‘Dread ekes out of the walls’: How it feels to work in No 10 during a crisis
In this clip from The Independent’s In The Room podcast, hosts Helen and Cleo reflect on their memories of how ominous No 10 can feel when the government is in crisis.
Read MoreVoices: I look eight years younger after quitting politics
When I worked in No 10, I had a period where I dreamed every night that Chris Grayling was hunting me from the skies, Hunger Games style – so take it from me, Westminster does things to you, says Cleo Watson
Read MoreAntonia Romeo handed powerful mandate to deliver No 10’s priorities
PM’s most senior civil servant now has task of rewriting civil service code and ‘making it recognised for improved productivity’ Antonia Romeo, Keir Starmer’s most senior civil servant, has been handed a powerful new mandate to deliver his priorities, while Darren Jones, the No 10 chief secretary, has shifted to a less hands-on role.Romeo, who…
Read MoreStarmer urged to limit US access to UK bases after ‘dangerous’ Trump threats
Lib Dems, Greens and some Labour MPs demand UK block US from using its airbases for Iran missionsMiddle East crisis – live updatesKeir Starmer is facing increasing pressure to limit US access to British airbases after Donald Trump threatened “a whole civilisation” would die if Iran ignored his demands, comments that Downing Street has not…
Read MoreKarl Turner has Labour whip suspended after criticism of Starmer and No 10
Hull East MP was recently interviewed by Jody McIntyre, campaigner who stood against Jess Phillips in 2024The MP Karl Turner has lost the Labour whip after making a series of interventions criticising Keir Starmer and No 10, especially on changes to jury trials.A Labour source said Turner had been informed by the chief whip, Jonathan…
Read MoreReeves urged to follow Europe’s example and protect consumers amid spiralling fuel prices
Diesel price hits highest level since December 2022, prompting more calls for No 10 to protect consumers
Read MoreSmall boats deal between France and UK is on verge of collapse
Negotiations deadlocked as No 10 wants more action on beach patrols but France has concerns over safetyThe UK’s agreement with France to pay for beach patrols is on the verge of collapse amid wrangling over the number of small boat interceptions and the safety of asylum seekers in French waters.Negotiations over plans to revamp the…
Read MoreReeves urged to follow Europe’s example and protect consumers amid spiralling fuel prices
Diesel price hits highest level since December 2022, prompting more calls for No 10 to protect consumers
Read MoreTrump describes UK aircraft carriers as ‘toys’ in latest anti-Nato jibe
US president says he is ‘very disappointed’ as he again lashes out at allies’ lack of involvement in Iran warMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump has dismissed British warships as “toys” in his latest jibe at Nato countries for their lack of involvement in the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Speaking at the White…
Read MoreWhat happened to Morgan McSweeney’s phone?
Former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former No.10 special adviser, react to the news that Morgan McSweeney’s phone was snatched in London.
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