Bristol local plan political analysis: Six takeaways incl.
Cllr Beech for Mayor?
Matt Bacon, Account Director, considers the outcome of the Bristol City Council meeting where there was cross-party support for the Bristol Local Plan. Last night, Bristol’s new draft local plan was approved by Bristol City Councillors by an overwhelming majority. Download our analysis of the draft local plan Following a long process to get to […]
Time for a Cross-Party Strategy to Unleash Rural Economic Potential?
As we kick off another Party Conference season, it’s worth taking a closer look at what the Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats are saying about the state of the rural economy. While there’s some common ground, such as recognising the value of farmers for both food production and environmental management, each party has its unique […]
Great British Nuclear: Paving the Path to Net Zero with Small Modular Reactors
The United Kingdom took a significant step towards achieving its Net Zero 2050 goal last week with the launch of the long-awaited and much-delayed Great British Nuclear (GBN). Originally announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement in March 2023, the launch of GBN represents the Government’s determination to make nuclear the jewel in the crown of […]
Lib Dem South West resurgence continues with by-election victory
JBP election result analysis for Somerton and Frome by-election- 20 July 2023 Results: Candidate name Party Votes Vote percentage Sarah Dyke Liberal Democrat 21,187 54.60% Faye Purbrick Conservative 10,179 26.20% Martin Dimery Green 3,944 10.20% Bruce Evans Reform UK 1,303 3.40% Neil Guild Labour 1,009 2.60% Rosie Mitchell Independent 635 1.60% Peter Richardson UKIP 275 […]
Local Election Summary 2023
For the first time since Theresa May’s premiership in 2019, England has gone to the polls for local elections – in a dramatically different political environment. Though results continue to trickle in at the time of writing, the Labour Party looks set to cement its recent lead in the polls with huge wins across […]
Local Election Lookahead – JBP Analysis
A general consensus has gripped Westminster that – whisper it – Rishi Sunak may be quite a competent Prime Minister. Though he has some way to go to resuscitate his Party’s prospects for a General Election, Sunak has broadly kept his still fresh Downing Street operation away from scandal, whilst ticking off a number of […]
Election 2023: South West Political Preview
After a breath-taking ten months in UK politics, 4 May 2023 sees local elections the length of breadth of the country. The polls become the first significant electoral test for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The elections will also indicate whether the landslide lead in the opinion polls for Labour can be turned into the currency […]
If we are to bridge the digital divide in the UK, Government must remain committed to competition in the market
Perception is important. At a recent appearance before the House of Lord Digital and Communication Committee, Baroness Featherstone remarked she that she had never heard of Altnets. Lady Featherstone was questioning Helen Wylde the CEO of Alternative Network Provider, Wildanet, who was giving evidence to their inquiry on digital exclusion and the cost of living. […]
JBP appoints Simon Prescott as Senior Counsel for development communications
JBP Associates, the largest PR and stakeholder engagement consultancy in the South West, have appointed Simon Prescott, former equity partner at Barton Willmore, as Senior Counsel for planning and development communications. Simon, who brings more than thirty years of experience in planning and development to the role, will work alongside Executive Director for Strategic Engagement, James Hinchcliffe, […]
JBP Analysis: Spring Budget 2023
A Budget for Growth? Key Points: At a first glance, Jeremy Hunt will be satisfied with his first full Budget – pitched as a Budget for Growth, whilst attempting to calm the turbulence the UK economy is still experiencing. The headline figures from the IMF and OBR will calm fears amongst Government more than anything […]