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Steven Swinford

Steven Swinford

On politics

Steven Swinford is the politics editor at The Times.

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves leave after an interview at the London Stock Exchange

Growth looks elusive after Budget creates ‘perfect storm’

The scale of the backlash to a classic Labour package of tax increases has taken ministers by surprise, although they insist their measures will work – in time

Steven Swinford

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump debate

Starmer’s mission of economic growth hinges on outcome of US election

The UK's prime minister and foreign secretary face a complex diplomatic challenge in building or rebuilding ties with the 47th US president

Steven Swinford

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves leave after an interview at the London Stock Exchange

Expect a frenetic autumn as Labour gets set for three game-changing events

Radical reforms to workers’ rights, a rousing party conference and a tax-raising Budget will dominate

Steven Swinford

Labour leader and incoming Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks to the media as he enters 10 Downing Street

The reality check: Starmer’s initial days in number 10

Steven Swinford breaks down the challenge ahead for the country's new prime minister

Steven Swinford

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer poses with Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (L), Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader (2nd R) and his shadow cabinet as Labour launch their general election manifesto on June 13, 2024 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Labour is consistently leading the polls by over 20 points, according to the latest YouGov data. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

The quest for economic growth

Sir Keir Starmer is betting the house on economic growth. If it doesn't win that bet the likely next government will face a tough choice on taxes and spending

Steven Swinford

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 24: Labour leader Keir Starmer speaks to supporters during the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House on May 24, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. Labour leader Keir Starmer is in Scotland to launch the party’s election campaign alongside his Scottish counterpart Anas Sarwar

Starmer might be ‘boring’, but his potential premiership won’t be dull

Starmer's critics see him as 'limited' but he is also ruthless and will shake-up how government is run, from centralising power to overhauling the civil service

Steven Swinford

Steven Swinford Starmer housebuilding illustration

Starmer is a man with a plan – for a huge expansion of housebuilding 

Housebuilding is likely to be a key battleground at the next election as politicians attempt to balance the need for more homes with a 'not in my backyard' outlook from voters

Steven Swinford

Rishi Sunak at the podium with Liz Truss and Boris Johnson's images to his left and right

Storm clouds over Number 10: The Sunak dilemma

With the 2 May local elections just around the corner, The Times' political editor Steven Swinford looks at the lay of the political land

Steven Swinford

Illustration of Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak

Sunak and Starmer will pull no punches on a rollercoaster ride to the general election

Buckle up. The next seven months are likely to be one of the most expensive, most bitterly contested and longest election campaigns in British history. The state of the polls, with Labour consistently enjoying a 20-point lead, means that the prime minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives have little to lose. Vituperative personal attacks from...

Steven Swinford