Georgia Turner Chart.PR MCIPR’s Post

With just under a month to go until voters in the North East elect a new Mayor, our Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Tara, has answered the question on everyone's lips: Just what exactly is devolution, and why should we care? Read here: https://buff.ly/3TJWvyK #TransformingTogether

A devolution ‘revolution’ 💡 Today, the government is pledging to begin a new devolution ‘revolution’ that will see even more powers transferred away from Westminster, towards local leaders. This comes as the Deputy Prime Minister has written to local leaders to urge them to work with government on devolution. Read more👇👇 https://lnkd.in/evVeEYq4 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government #Devolution #LocalGovernernment #UKGovernment

I don't often post about politics on here. But after a seismic election result in the UK I just can't resist sharing a few thoughts - both about the next Government and about what the election says about our democracy. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, the new Prime Minister and first female Chancellor of the Exchequer in British history, will first prioritise restoring governing order and begin a repair job: building houses, increasing public investment, leaning into waiting lists in the NHS, developing the skills of our people in the private and public sitters, and accelerating independent in clean energy. This election also highlighted just how fragile, volatile and fragmented British democracy now is. Reform of democracy is not an immediate task, it needs thought, but it is important. To secure a durable statecraft Labour will need to share power, carefully and over time, and within parliamentary democracy and with localities. And also with partners domestic and international. None of this will be easy. But it will be essential. The current economic and social conditions will put unbearable pressure on the democratic system and without meticulous engineering that pressure may become too great. So much to do ahead. It does feel like a fresh start for the UK after a few torrid years. I hope we don't waste it. #democracy #election #generalelection #government #economy

A sign of a great democracy. While most countries take weeks and months to transition from one President/Prime Minister to the next (in Mexico, for example, it takes four months, six previously), in the UK, it takes just a few hours. This rapid transition is possible because of the civil service's strength and efficiency and the government's stability. When a new Prime Minister is elected in the UK, the handover is not just swift, but also seamless. This is a testament to the well-established systems and protocols, ensuring that governance continues smoothly without disruption. The civil service, with its crucial role in providing continuity and support, allows the new leadership to step in and start governing almost immediately. Such efficiency is a hallmark of a mature and resilient democracy. It reflects a system where institutions are strong, procedures are clear, and the focus is always on serving the people effectively. The ability to transition power quickly and efficiently not only demonstrates political stability but also instills a strong sense of public confidence in the democratic process. In these times of global uncertainty, the UK's example (regardless of who won) is an essential reminder of the value of robust democratic institutions and a dedicated civil service. They are the backbone that supports a swift and stable transition of power, ensuring that the nation continues to function smoothly regardless of political changes. #Democracy #CivilService #GovernmentStability #LeadershipTransition #UKPolitics #PoliticalContinuity #EffectiveGovernance #PublicConfidence #InstitutionalStrength

We are going to see more of this kind of commentary on the aggregate size of the federal public service as the election approaches. This study is particularly shallow. A serious conversation would have to unpack patterns by organization, function, professional group, and factor in changes in technology, arrangements with other levels of government, and look at who is working on which programs services and capabilities. There is no way to change the arc of the aggregate number, if that is what you want to do, without a thorough review of spending that will lead to painful political choices. I suspect one is coming. That is why the CD Howe piece by Lindquist and Shepherd on spending reviews is so much more useful. See an earlier post for the link. #publicadministration

Reviews are inevitable. As Michael Wernick points out, reductions can have unintended consequences. A couple of thoughts on reviews and meeting targets. First, is the PS fulfilling its role effectively? The Clerk’s DM taskforce didn’t tackle this question but did surface growing tensions between Ministers Offces/PMO and senior ranks of the PS. I would submit that the role of decision maker and advice provider needs a close look. Second, does the PS have the right public management framework to do its work? Yes, there are an abundance of accountabilities, pre-audits and “chiefs” of risk, data, service, hr, security, IT, finance, etc, but are they enabling outcomes and impact for Canadians? Third, as Michael Wernick also points out, does the PS have tools other governments like Finland, New Zealand and Australia have at their disposal to deliver for both decision makers and citizens? Turning to meeting any reduction targets, given morale, mental health, inclusion strategies and aging demographics - could reductions be managed through a combination of attrition and departure incentives such as applying accumulated sick leave, DM discretion on waving certain pension penalty timelines or other means be applied? The ‘nudge’ to depart may not need be draconian, uncoordinated nor overly ‘gold plated’. There is institutional memory of DRAP I am sure. There were lessons. Perhaps the Comptroller General should also take a peek at the relative savings achieved through both DRAP the Adminstrative Savings Review too… Parliamentarians and Canadians need to know they are getting value for money. It would be shortsighted and likely negligent to undertake any reductions without addressing the first three questions.

Looking forward to talking all things preparation and transition to government - discussing lessons from 2015 and experiences from around the world... (please do not mention the obvious!) #government #transition #elections

Today, I joined MPs from Suffolk and Norfolk and met Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, to discuss the future of devolution for our region. It follows my meeting with the Minister last month: I have been clear that a new devolution deal has to be far more ambitious than what was left on the table by the previous government. #Devolution #LocalGovernment #Suffolk #EastAnglia

*The 2024 UK*general election exemplified *democracy's resilience* with its peaceful transfer of power amidst closely contested results, standing as a beacon of stability in an era of democratic challenges. Britain's unwavering commitment to *democratic principles,* respect for popular sovereignty, and statesmanship was evident throughout the orderly electoral process. Unlike tumultuous transitions elsewhere, the UK's election was characterized by *civility and procedural integrity,* reaffirming its robust democratic foundations. Globally noted for its exemplary management, the election underscored democracy's adaptability and endurance. It set a *new standard* for democratic transitions, reinforcing Britain's role as a bastion of democratic strength amid global authoritarian trends. Amid global uncertainties, the UK's smooth transfer of leadership showcased democracy's ability to flourish, emphasizing the importance of orderly transitions in maintaining a mature and stable democratic framework. The 2024 election thus stands as a pivotal moment in the global *quest to uphold and strengthen democratic governance worldwide*. https://lnkd.in/gHwtCycZ