As part of our series with devolved party leaders, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is pleased to be hosting Reform UK leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord, for an online-only conversation on Monday 16/3.
Sign up: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/lord-m...
And let me know what I should ask him!
Fantastic to see both of the brilliant @emmanorris.bsky.social and @gemmatetlow.bsky.social recognised in this year's Women in Westminster top 100.
Both are incredibly impressive colleagues and I've learnt so much from them. www.politicshome.com/in-focus/wiw...
A quote from Dan Haile, IfG senior economist "Despite lots of moving parts, the OBR forecast for the UK economy and the public finances hasn’t changed much. However, international events will continue to pose risks which is why the chancellor was right to build up more of a buffer against her fiscal rules last November and to preserve that buffer today."
What did we learn from the OBR's forecast?
@danhaile.bsky.social gives his reaction to the 2026 spring forecast and tells us why the chancellor was right to preserve a buffer against her fiscal rules.
More analysis to follow www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/spring-forec...
A quote from Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government "The chancellor has resisted the temptation to use this moment to tinker with the tax system. That's the right choice given only three months have passed since the last budget. This will provide more stability for businesses and households."
Rachel Reeves has resisted the temptation to use today's spring forecast to tinker with the tax system.
@jillongovt.bsky.social says the chancellor has made the right choice.
Keep an eye on our spring forecast 2026 page for more analysis soon www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/spring-forec...
I really enjoyed chairing this afternoon's event, with Plaid Cymru leader @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social, on his plans for government
Do watch back at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXM-...
Thank you - yes, self evidently my speed typing needs some work!
Akash Paun and Rhun ap Iorwerth on stage at the IfG
Here @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to hear leader of @plaidcymru.bsky.social, @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social in conversation with @akashpaun.bsky.social
Asked RE a new framework for negotiating with the Treasury says fundamentally wants there to be a reset between Wales and HMT. Case for Celtic case to be made to HMT. Says Labour face a choice, disengagement or ask how to make UKG relevant to Wales. Says he will help that.
Task is to make themselves feel relevant across the whole of Wales
Asked RE Reform's support in North Wales. Suggests he's seen polling where PC is outperforming across all Wales. But doesn't want to be complacent. Questioner comes back asking how you engage with North Wales. Rhun emphasises that votes matter across the board.
Cannot decrease tax take, would like to lower taxes on lowest earners but also have reality of relatively few in this higher tax bands.
Asked about Scottish-style control over income tax, would they be used? Yes are asking for those powers, want tax system that works for Wales, current powers are hard to use. How powers are used depends on what granted. If same as Scotland, what are the thresholds that work for Wales.
A question about 1m Welsh speakers wasn't responded to but may be picked up later
Asked how to take the civil service with you - says this is often asked, but CS will be the enablers and facilitators of what want to do. Wants to excite the CS about how to do things differently. When talking about collaborative working he means with CS.
Very different elements of agritech. On a smaller scale, creative industries: 1. an important economic tool 2. importance for projecting culture internationally.
Asked about which sectors are critical that he would want to support: renewables / green energy for job creating potential. Offshore wind, hydrogen, tidal, other forms of marine energy. Why want powers over Crown Estate. So much to grow semi-conductor and cyber security.
Asked about attracting international investment. Wants to be the most international minded govt. Says a founding principle of the party was to have Wales confident on the world stage. Want to be proactive on international links - investment and export.
Asked about ownership over peoples time - says have signed up in principle in such areas. Wanting greater control over own natural resources, wanting ownership over just transition
Years 2-4, believe there is scope to reprioritise. Says some current schemes are under performing.
Asked RE specified funding increases outlined in the 100 days doc, says its clear funding situ is dire aware there are tough decisions - in the first year will take on budget which was designed to put on a firm footing. In Y1 biggest pressure is on NHS.
Audience Q&A - question from BBC Wales asking about UKG granting access to UK military sites for international action. Doesn't want any involvement in the middle east without consent of Parliament. Says PM should seek consent before taking action
Not just about a funding formula, not looking at reform of Barnett formula, a needs based formula may not lead to a bit uplift to Wales. States that non-Barnettised pots of funding like rail / policing
Now on Barnett Formula and a needs based system, should it be how funds are distributed across the whole of UK which may increase funding to areas in England. Says Wales getting more doesn't mean other areas get less. Says have to look at the case according to need.
Wants it to be fleet of foot.
Questioned on National Development Agency as an ALB, says it was scrapped as bonfire of the quangos in 2003. Rhodri Morgan disliked unaccountable unelected bodies. But devo gave that accountability, they are now accountable through Welsh Govt. But doesn't want the old NDA.
Asked about better integration between Welsh CS and wider public, Rhun says this has been talked about for a while but without action. That's what we cannot afford to see again. Says the ministerial role to lead on how govt works more effectively - breaking down the silos.
Says there are limits to info you get back but useful to ensure hit the ground running on day one.
Asked about how useful access talks with the civil service have been, Rhun says very little that can or should say. But says they are very useful discussions, a useful part of the democratic purpose, says works two ways - can describe plans in more detail. Factual both ways.
And a tool for the government to be held to account by the public. Feels spelling things out in a clear way and how expect to be challenged is useful for public.
Now to Q&A - asked about the mistakes he wants to avoid if entering government. Says fully aware there are things they don't have detail on, this will come in government. Aware more needs to be done than incoming Keir Starmer Government. 100 days document outlines this vision.
