Blood runs cold in Westminster as the IfG hands down its annual judgment on government efficiency, the Whitehall Monitor. Who gets an A-Star, who has room to improve and who’s on the naughty step? And why does Britain’s idiosyncratic approach to talent management mean that the Civil Service is getting older and younger at the same time?

Also, Northern Uproar: Moving the grand old Lords to York – would it it take ten thousand men (and women)? With Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’s assemblies all symbolically rejecting the Government’s Brexit plans, have we now passed Peak Devolution? And which domestic policies might get trampled in Boris Johnson’s rush for a US trade deal?

“Reform of local and regional government has been on the Too Difficult box for far too long” – Alex Thomas

“By an elegant solution, you mean a fudge, right?” – Bronwen Maddox

Hosted by Bronwen Maddox with Gavin Freeguard, Emma Norris and Alex Thomas. Audio production by Alex Rees. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices