Maja Anushka

Former No 10 communications director Lee Cain says an audit found about 8,000 government communications staff—twice the previously stated figure—and claims efforts to improve efficiency were blocked. He describes Whitehall as resistant to reform and recalls poor Covid-era decisions, including a proposal to keep pubs and clubs open while advising people not to visit them. Cain also praises Andy Burnham’s social-media-led communications approach but says Burnham will need a compelling political story focused on improving living standards, while criticizing Boris Johnson’s leadership and Keir Starmer’s communications.