Ed Jacobs

Ed writes on devolved and local government. He works as a political consultant at the only Northern based consultancy, The Public Affairs Company. Ed has previously helped establish and run a student news website therundown.co.uk.

Salmond’s speech short on humility

Alex Salmond has delivered his keynote address to the Scottish National Party’s annual conference in Inverness, the last before the election. Salmond provided a long list of what his government has supposedly achieved, showing few signs of humility over recent controversies.

Conservative Councils start the cutting

Essex County Council have revised their budget and aim to make savings of £300 million by 2010. Meanwhile, Conservatives in Lancashire are cutting education positions in a budget cutting drive.

Scotland will be hardest hit by the recession

Experts have warned that that Scotland is likely to be hit disproportionately by the impact the recession will have on the public sector. SNP criticisms of the report are based on including North Sea Oil revenues which PwC claim will “not protect jobs”.

Stench of Leeds bin strike may spread

Industrial action by bin men and women in Leeds has become national news, with the Financial Times reporting that councils across the country are watching closely with fears growing that other public sector workers will become disgruntled by the prospect of pay cuts, and changes to working patterns and conditions.

Clinton: NI is an example to the world

US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly. Her visit to the province comes amidst crucial negotiations over the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Executive, as reported by Left Foot Forwardtest

Australia’s economy: same policy, 33% poll lead

A poll commissioned by The Australian newspaper puts Australia’s Labour Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, 33 per cent ahead of Liberal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull in terms of who is most capable of handling the country’s economy. Why has Labour’s sister party in Australia performed so well against its conservative opponents and what lessons does Britain have to learn from Kevin Rudd?