The Latest Breaking News from Polly Toynbee

The crescendo of pre-budget lobbying has rarely been so loud. Rachel Reeves must tune it out

There is no popular way to raise taxes, and with Labour tanking in the polls, my advice to the chancellor is this: do it anyway, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Oct 31, 2025

Why can’t we eradicate both pensioner and child poverty?

Letters: Dr Carole Easton and Dr Steve Cushion say that we should not pit one disadvanted group against another when it comes to the government’s funding priorities

The Guardian - UK · Oct 30, 2025

Yes, Keir Starmer is Britain’s most unpopular PM ever. That could liberate him

Forget the public vitriol and use the next four years to get things done – first and foremost, whatever it takes to stop Reform, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Oct 28, 2025

Looking for signs of life in centre-right politics in Britain

Letters: Responding to articles about the Conservative party conference, David Redshaw suspects there may be life in Thatcherism yet. Plus letters from Des Senior, William Wallace, Les Bright, Katy Jennison and Peter Brooker

The Guardian - UK · Oct 12, 2025

English democracy relies on local councillors. So why are so many facing the axe?

Government plans to merge councils may not save money, and do nothing to solve the very real problems they face, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Oct 10, 2025

I didn’t think I’d ever say this: let’s hope the Tory party can be saved

Britain badly needs a grownup party of the centre right. It won’t come from Badenoch – it may come from a new generation of one-nationers, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Oct 7, 2025

If you liked Brexit, you’re going to love what the Conservatives want next

Leaving the ECHR could mean higher food prices and an even bigger blow to trade. The Tories’ new proposals will end the party for good, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Oct 3, 2025

Labour must avoid half measures on the two-child benefit cap

Letters: Readers react to a report that Labour is considering alternatives to completely scrapping the cap on child benefit and other news from the Labour party conference

The Guardian - UK · Oct 1, 2025

I’ve seen despair at the Labour conference, but Starmer’s battle for Britain’s soul is one he can still win

The government’s fall in popularity has affected party morale, but there are signs that taking the fight to Farage can provide a much-needed spark, asks Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Sep 29, 2025

To revive Labour, Starmer should go to conference with this pledge: we will clean politics of sleaze

Another donations controversy, and another chance for the PM to draw the line – and stem the flow of dubious money into Westminster, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Sep 26, 2025