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Ben Wellings

Ben Wellings

The Conversation

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Andy Burnham needs more than managerialism as Britain’s new PM

Andy Burnham needs more than managerialism as Britain’s new PM

Britain’s new prime minister must tackle regional inequality and build a national narrative explaining England’s place in the UK, Europe and the...

21.07.2026 20

Pearls and Irritations

Ben Wellings

Burnham’s Britain: what kind of country has the UK’s new prime minister inherited?

Burnham’s Britain: what kind of country has the UK’s new prime minister inherited?

The ‘king of the North’ faces multiple challenges in a fragmented UK when he becomes the next prime minister.

20.07.2026 20

The Conversation

Ben Wellings

Andy Burnham is known as the ‘king of the north’. Could he become the UK’s next prime minister?

Offering hope and locality, the former mayor of Greater Manchester is odd-on to challenge the deeply unpopular Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the top...

20.06.2026 30

The Conversation

Ben Wellings

Local elections reveal the deep fracturing of UK politics and put the writing on the wall for Keir Starmer

Another British prime minister is in deep trouble – but simply replacing him won’t fix what is ailing the United Kingdom.

10.05.2026 30

The Conversation

Ben Wellings

The Epstein scandal has battered Britain’s political establishment. Can the radical-right Reform party benefit?

The scandal is not only putting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it’s undermining trust in British government and institutions more broadly.

22.02.2026 40

The Conversation

Ben Wellings

Albanese and Starmer to meet for a frank exchange of views (and possibly some political advice)

The Australian prime minister will meet with his British counterpart – and may off some advice on fending off an electoral challenge from the right.

25.09.2025 20

The Conversation

Ben Wellings