Alex Thomas
Programme Director
Alex's recent work
What made Michael Gove one of the most consequential ministers of recent times?
The next government should pay close attention to Michael Gove's approach to government.
How Angela Rayner operates as deputy prime minister is a core question for Labour
Keir Starmer needs to decide what kind of deputy prime minister he might need in government.
The parties should focus on substance as well as sales ahead of the election
Election fever is hotting up in the aftermath of the local elections.
All work
Pay reform for the senior civil service
The government must commit to ringfencing the £45m needed to fund its promised reform of senior civil service pay or risk undermining job satisfaction
The government’s confused communications have worsened the fuel crisis
Simple, disciplined, trustworthy and calm communication with the public is the best tool the government has to handle the fuel crisis
Stephen Barclay has a platform to be a radical reformer of government
Stephen Barclay is well-placed to improve and implement existing plans for government reform
The government’s winter Covid plan is too optimistic
The government's autumn and winter plan does not do enough to prepare for the worst
Reshuffle at last
After months of rumours, Boris Johnson has reshuffled his cabinet .
Lee Cain guest paper: IfG response
Lee Cain is right that government communications need an overhaul
The government’s Covid policy is collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions
The prime minister has failed to justify a coronavirus policy that is contradictory, confused and will not work.
Smarter government
The Commission for Smart Government's steps for reforms will need to triumph over entrenched political interests as well as improving the skills of mi
Government reform
Michael Gove has set out a new plan for reforming the civil service. But its success must be judged by how long the momentum for reform lasts.
The civil service must do more to improve its socio-economic diversity
The civil service’s claim to be a true meritocracy will be hollow unless it improves career prospects for those from disadvantaged backgrounds