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Sebastian Payne

Whitehall Editor

Sebastian Payne writes about British politics for the FT. He was previously political leader writer and digital opinion editor. Before he joined the FT, he was a reporter and editor at The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph.

He also presents the weekly Payne's Politics podcast and writes a fortnightly notebook column for the opinion pages.

Email Sebastian Payne @SebastianEPayne  on Twitter (link opens in a new browser window)
Email Sebastian Payne @SebastianEPayne  on Twitter (link opens in a new browser window)

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  • Thursday, 1 December, 2022
    Brexit: the next phase
    The UK-Australia trade deal: ‘too much for far too little’

    Prioritising the ‘benefits’ of Brexit over economic gain set a poor precedent for future agreements, say critics

    1 hour ago
  • Tuesday, 29 November, 2022
    News in-depthConservative Party UK
    Why Rishi Sunak is struggling to impose his authority

    The UK prime minister is facing four tribes of rebellious Conservative MPs

  • Tuesday, 22 November, 2022
    Conservative Party UK
    Rishi Sunak delays critical vote on UK planning reforms

    Nearly 50 rebel ‘blue wall’ MPs sign amendment to make housebuilding targets only advisory

  • Friday, 18 November, 2022
    The Weekend Essay
    In the Bunker: Boris Johnson’s last stand

    A blow-by-blow account of the plotting that consumed the prime minister’s last day in power — climaxing with the showdown with his old rival Michael Gove

  • Wednesday, 16 November, 2022
    Autumn Statement
    Hunt prepares to step into the fiscal storm

    Chancellor bids to repair UK’s tarnished economic reputation with tax rises and spending cuts, claiming pain is necessary

  • Wednesday, 16 November, 2022
    Rishi Sunak
    Rishi Sunak agrees to publish his tax returns

    UK prime minister commits to transparency over personal finances after scrutiny of family fortune

  • Wednesday, 16 November, 2022
    UK Government
    Sunak to launch probe into Raab misconduct claims

    Downing Street says PM retains confidence in deputy, and ‘independent person’ will investigate bullying allegations

  • Wednesday, 16 November, 2022
    UK trade
    UK risks being too soft in India trade talks, says ex-minister

    George Eustice warns against repeating mistakes of the agreement with Australia

  • Tuesday, 15 November, 2022
    UK foreign policy
    Sunak to hold surprise meeting with Chinese president at G20

    UK prime minister attempts to build ‘frank and constructive’ relationship with Beijing

  • Tuesday, 15 November, 2022
    UK politics & policy
    Rishi Sunak tells UK bosses to curtail their pay

    Prime minister urges executives to ‘embrace restraint’ as their workers face a cost of living crisis

  • Tuesday, 15 November, 2022
    UK politics & policy
    Hancock has undermined role of MP, says Sunak

    UK prime minister accuses former health secretary of debasing politics through TV show appearance

  • Monday, 14 November, 2022
    Autumn Statement
    Hunt draws up new windfall tax on UK electricity generators

    Chancellor’s plan for 40% levy on ‘excess returns’ replaces idea of industry revenue cap

  • Monday, 14 November, 2022
    UK defence spending
    Sunak quiet on defence budget as he signs off on £4.2bn frigate contract

    PM refuses to be drawn on matching Truss’s promise of big boost to military spending

  • Monday, 14 November, 2022
    Autumn Statement
    Rishi Sunak must pursue Johnsonism without Johnson

    Much of the 2019 Tory manifesto is the new prime minister’s best chance to turn round the UK

  • Monday, 14 November, 2022
    Dominic Raab
    Sunak rejects claims that Raab bullied UK civil servants

    PM says he is ‘not aware’ of any formal complaints about the behaviour of his deputy

  • Monday, 14 November, 2022
    UK immigration
    UK and France set to unveil deal to tackle migrants crossing Channel

    Agreement is focused on efforts to curb asylum seekers arriving in small boats

  • Sunday, 13 November, 2022
    Autumn Statement
    Hunt given warning of £70bn rise in UK government borrowing

    Chancellor plans tax increases and spending cuts after fiscal watchdog downgrades outlook for public finances

  • Sunday, 13 November, 2022
    Autumn Statement
    Hunt says all Britons will pay higher taxes after Autumn Statement

    Chancellor also warns of spending cuts as he seeks to fill budgetary hole

  • Saturday, 12 November, 2022
    Payne's Politics podcast33 min listen
    Farewell Sir Gavin, for the third time

    What does it say about Rishi Sunak's judgment that he hired the controversial former chief whip in the first place?

  • Tuesday, 8 November, 2022
    UK politics & policy
    Gavin Williamson quits over bullying allegations

    Minister says claims and investigations into his conduct ‘are becoming a distraction’

  • Monday, 7 November, 2022
    Global migration
    UK and France in ‘final stage’ of reaching deal on Channel crossings

    Sunak leaves first meeting with Macron with ‘renewed confidence and optimism’ about tackling illegal migration

  • Friday, 4 November, 2022
    News in-depthSuella Braverman
    Rishi Sunak risks fallout from bringing Suella Braverman onboard

    Chaotic week for home secretary could undermine UK’s new prime minister

  • Thursday, 3 November, 2022
    UK politics & policy
    Britain must learn to love boring politics again

    Matt Hancock’s reality television debut should mark the long hoped for end to Tory psychodrama

  • Monday, 31 October, 2022
    UK politics & policy
    Suella Braverman fights for her political life

    UK home secretary under fire over treatment of asylum seekers and use of personal email for government business

  • Sunday, 30 October, 2022
    UK politics & policy
    Sunak signals he could attend UN climate summit

    Prime minister may U-turn on decision not to go to COP27 following criticism by Tory MPs

Previous page You are on page 1 Next page

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