Akash Paun
Programme Director
Akash's recent work
Local elections 2024: Mayor of the West Midlands
On 2 May 2024, voters in Birmingham and six neighbouring local areas elected Richard Parker as the mayor of the West Midlands.
Local elections 2024: Mayor of Greater Manchester
On 2 May 2024, Andy Burnham was elected for the third time as mayor of Greater Manchester
Local elections 2024: Mayor of West Yorkshire
On 2 May 2024, voters elected Tracy Brabin as Mayor of West Yorkshire
All work
Trailblazer devolution deals
What are trailblazer devolution deals and what powers will they devolve to combined authorities?
English devolution
What is the history of English devolution? How much of England has devolution? Which powers are devolved?
The levelling up white paper one year on: progress on devolution but big tests to come
The next month will be a crucial test of the government’s ability to deliver the levelling up white paper’s devolution vision.
Five things we’ve learned about the Brown Commission on the UK’s future
A team of IfG experts weigh up the key recommendations set out in the Gordon Brown's Commission on the UK's Future report.
Supreme Court's Scottish referendum verdict doesn't end Sunak’s need for a union strategy
Rishi Sunak needs a strategy to convince voters of the value of the union.
Intergovernmental relations
How do officials and ministers across the UK cooperate and resolve disputes?
Sturgeon’s independence plan is likely to be blocked – but that won’t end the row
The Union will only survive in the long run if based on consent
How metro mayors can help level up England
Government must give more powers to mayors to make levelling up a success
Levelling up: the IfG view on the white paper
The white paper does not provide a clear-sighted diagnosis for tackling regional inequalities.
Michael Russell
Michael Russell reflects on his role as Scottish cabinet secretary for education, and as the minister responsible for UK-EU relations during Brexit.