Political advisor, analyst and commentator.
London
Joined June 2025
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Mike Indian retweeted
Pedantic I am sure but this is NOT a reshuffle. This is creating a NEW Government by a NEW Prime Minister. No10 effectively starts from scratch
Mike Indian retweeted
I will accept Nigel Farage’s request to be appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.
It is a farce and a desperate distraction, and the people of Clacton deserve better.
But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him.
Mike Indian retweeted
Keir Starmer suffering political death by a thousand cuts, says @Mike_Indian. But he seemed decent & honourable and did his best. Posterity will probably be kinder many current critics. Now seems certain Andy Burnham will be PM; right that won't be a distracting leadership contest. Burnham says will stick to Reeves's fiscal rules so will have to show a lot of creative thinking. His appointment of Chancellor will be crucial. We don't really know what a Burnham premiership will look like. Mike reflects that in the 9 years of The Bigger Picture, the world has become less certain place, politics inow a lot less kind and public trust in institutions & politicians has declined considerably.
open.spotify.com/episode/0C5…
Mike Indian retweeted
Worrying how quickly narratives about events like Southampton & Belfast can take on a life of their own, says @Mike_Indian. A myth has sprung up about 2-tier justice system, weaponised by figures on the right. It taps into lack of faith in institutions. But we all have interest in how our streets are policed. Seems PM will apply tighter controls to social media companies for under 16s. This could be his attempt at a legacy. But a blanket ban will be hard to enforce. Possible change of leadership of Labour Party will undermine its legitimacy. Whoever leads it should concentrate on how government can make people's lives better.
open.spotify.com/episode/2nt…
Mike Indian retweeted
The Series 4 intro for DOCTOR WHO (2008) hits like a freight train. Murray Gold takes the classic theme and cranks the scale to absurd levels, while the TARDIS barrels through the vortex at full speed. Pure adrenaline every single episode.
Mike Indian retweeted
Essay from the ghost of Labour Past, Tony Blair, discussed by @Mike_Indian. Gone down like lead balloon with the party. Ahead of the Makerfield by-election, Labour in holding pattern. Whoever succeeds Starmer will face a challenging landscape. Peter Murrell's admission of £400,000 embezzlement raises questions about Sturgeon's judgement and perhaps explains her sudden resignation. Alan Milburn's "lost generation" report shows that today's young people detachment from labour market could harm rest of their lives. Report not likely to find much sympathy within Starmer government.
open.spotify.com/episode/5Xq…
Mike Indian retweeted
Together we are clear that change must happen — and that it will.
I was humbled and honoured to meet with @jamesmurray_ldn the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care as the country’s first National Maternity Advisor.
It is about accountability. It is about safer staffing. It is about listening to families. And it is about building a maternity system where good professionals are supported to be great professionals — and where speaking up is encouraged, not feared.
The voices of families who have suffered harm must never be ignored again.
We move forward with determination and hope.
Women and families deserve the best possible maternity & neonatal services. Far too many have been left hurt and heartbroken by failures in those services. We are determined to change that.
I will make sure that work continues, with @MichelleWelshMP as our new Maternity Adviser.
Mike Indian retweeted
Congratulations to Michelle Welsh MP on her appointment as the Government's Maternity Safety Advisor!
Michelle has been a tireless champion for midwives, safer staffing and better maternity care.
Mike Indian retweeted
🔴Breaking News - Appointed as Government's National Maternity Advisor
Today, I am honoured to announce that I have been appointed as the National Maternity Advisor to the Government.
This role is deeply personal to me. Before I was a politician, I was - and always will be - a mother. Like far too many women across this country, I know what it feels like to come through childbirth carrying both physical and emotional scars. That experience has shaped me, driven me, and strengthened my determination to fight for safer, more compassionate maternity care for every family.
Please see my statement below ⬇️
Mike Indian retweeted
Steady drip of those calling for Starmer to give a timetable for resignation, says @Mike_Indian. He is bloody-minded tho and may survive for longer, reshuffling his cabinet. Where are the intellectuals & big thinkers? Mike hopes Ed Miliband moves to Treasury, where his talents could make big difference. Popularity less imp than ideas; people want their lives to be materially better: more important than who's in Number Ten.
open.spotify.com/episode/1S9…
Mike Indian retweeted
Exc with @patrickkmaguire:
Wes Streeting has told allies that he is preparing to resign and trigger a leadership contest as soon as tomorrow.
The health secretary confronted Sir Keir Starmer this morning during a meeting ahead of the King’s Speech that lasted just 16 minutes over the turmoil engulfing the Labour Party.
Allies of Streeting who have spoken to him directly said that he has made clear that he is “going to go for it”. They said that he is likely to resign on Thursday and mount a formal challenge for the leadership
One Streeting ally who has spoken to him said: “He is going to go for it. He’s going tomorrow.”
Discussions have also been held to prepare for MPs to sign Streeting’s nomination papers, according to one of those with knowledge of the plans.
Another who has spoken to him said that claims by Starmer’s allies that he has “bottled it” are wide of the mark and that he made clear in private that he will make a bid for the leadership.
A third senior source organising for Streeting said: “If they [Starmer’s supporters] think this is over, they’re going to be disappointed. I’m expecting a move before the end of the week.”
A spokesman for Streeting said: “Wes is the Health Secretary, he is proud of his record of falling waiting lists and a recovering NHS. He is not planning to say anything following his meeting with the Prime Minister that might distract from the King’s Speech.”
Mike Indian retweeted
An honour to celebrate International Day of the Midwife recently with @MidwivesRCM to recognise the extraordinary dedication of midwives across the country.
Midwives are the foundation of safe maternity care - but too many are overstretched and under-supported. We need a system where midwives can thrive, because safe maternity care is not a luxury, it is a standard.
Thank you for everything you do for women and families every single day 💙
Mike Indian retweeted
The PM is channelling his inner Harold Wilson this morning. When he was under pressure to quit Wilson famously said “I know what’s going on, I’m going on.”
Starmer’s message to Streeting backers appears to be “put up or shut up”; to Burnham backers “push me out now & you get Wes” & to everyone else “Don’t scree up like the Tories did”. It could work…in the short term …unless someone does put up or there’s a major resignation.
Mike Indian retweeted
Loved celebrating International Day of the Midwife with @MidwivesRCM and @MichelleWelshMP
Maternity care needs reform and the RCM are working with us to shape that change
Hundreds of women, today and everyday, will be grateful for their midwives service - let's celebrate them!
Mike Indian retweeted
Recent kerfuffle between civil service & No. 10 has exposed qualities lacking in PM, says @mike_indian @thegroucho, particularly his lack of curiosity. But he has 9 lives, esp. as no obvious successor. Economic response to events may matter more than who is PM. Given ropy relationship between US and Starmer, King's visit & address to US Congress has shown value of Royal Family when it comes to soft diplomatic power. Considerable PR victory, reminding Americans why we are imps diplomatic ally. But UK needs a fundamental re-evaluation of geo-political alliances & should become more independent.
open.spotify.com/episode/7vU…
Mike Indian retweeted
Great conversations & support at Seinfein conference today- NI maternity services need prioritisation and action-more conversations and future events lined up. 🙏 Esther, member and rep for being fab @RcmNi @MidwivesRCM @ciaraf44 @JohnODowdSF @Mike_Indian
Mike Indian retweeted
busy week for Team RCM- Thursday Activists showed how to shift morale by showing local change is possible & the strength of branches supporting members across the UK- great discussions on our safe staffing campaign-stronger together @Emma_RCM @Mike_Indian @RobbieMTurner @The_TUC
