United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1913
Ownership
The New Statesman is a British weekly founded in 1913 by Fabian Society figures Sidney and Beatrice Webb, with George Bernard Shaw and other Fabians. Since 2009 it has been wholly owned by businessman Mike Danson, who first bought a 50% stake in 2008 (from Geoffrey Robinson) and then the remainder. It is published through Danson's Progressive Media Investments / New Statesman Media Group; Danson is also founder and CEO of the listed data firm GlobalData PLC and owns Press Gazette and Spear's.
Funding
Financed commercially through magazine sales, subscriptions and a digital paywall, plus advertising and events, and backed by its private owner. No state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is a long-standing left-of-centre / centre-left title broadly sympathetic to the Labour movement and progressive politics, but it is not owned or controlled by the Labour Party or any union. Because it is privately and commercially owned by an individual proprietor with no party or state control, it is classified INDEPENDENT (the site's INDEPENDENT/LEFT guess is accurate).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 125
56/100
Factual
53/100
Objective
162
Articles
162
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Fun, dashing, radical, dogmatic and defiant
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Recent coverage
Rayner’s pitch to return under Burnham cabinet – and the role she’s tipped for
Angela Rayner, former deputy prime minister and housing secretary, has expressed interest in returning to her previous role under a potential Andy Burnham-led Labour government. In a speech at the London School of Economics, Rayner advocated for significant local governance reforms, echoing Burnham's 'devolution' agenda, which aims to transfer power and resources to local authorities. Her remarks closely mirrored those made by Burnham during a recent speech in Manchester, suggesting a strategic alignment between the two figures. This development occurs as Burnham positions himself as the likely successor to Sir Keir Starmer and finalizes his cabinet lineup. Rayner's position within Burnham's administration remains uncertain, with some reports indicating she may be sidelined while others suggest she is providing advisory support on devolution strategies. Despite not being part of Burnham's inner circle, Rayner is anticipated to hold a cabinet position. Her past resignation as deputy prime minister followed an admission of underpayment of stamp duty on a second home, though she was later cleared by HMRC.
Photo of Andy Burnham edited to include several women wearing Islamic dress
On 1 July 2026, Full Fact reported that an image circulating on social media showing Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, standing next to several women wearing Islamic dress had been edited. The article states that the image was altered to include women in hijabs and niqabs who were not present in the original photograph posted by Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell on 22 June. The original photo showed Burnham with Powell and Jessica Morden during his return to Parliament. The edited image removed these two women but kept other figures like Chancellor Rachel Reeves and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in their positions. Other unedited photos from the same day show Burnham with Labour colleagues from different angles, confirming there are no authentic images of him with a group of women in Islamic dress in the foreground. The article highlights the importance of verifying images before sharing them on social media, noting that similar fake images of Burnham have circulated previously.
What is Keir Starmer’s plan to increase UK defence spending and is it affordable?
Sir Keir Starmer's government has announced plans to increase UK defense spending, aiming to allocate an additional £1 billion to modernize the armed forces and ensure national security. The Defense Investment Plan (DIP), delayed due to internal disagreements over funding levels, has faced criticism from former defense secretary John Healey, who argued the proposed funding falls short of what is needed to address immediate threats. While the government aims to reach 3.5% of GDP for defense by 2035, current projections show spending increasing only to 2.68% by 2030. This decision follows geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, as well as efforts to strengthen NATO ties and reduce reliance on U.S. support. Critics, including former defense officials like George Robertson and Malcolm Rifkind, argue that the current plan lacks sufficient investment and suggest reallocating funds from welfare or raising taxes to meet defense needs.
Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as leader of the Labour Party and as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announcing his intention to step down as Labour leader and allowing for a leadership contest to determine the next prime minister. He stated that he believes he is not the best person to lead Labour into the next general election and has informed the King of his decision. A timetable for the leadership contest has been outlined, with nominations opening on 9 July and concluding by 16 July. Starmer emphasized his commitment to ensuring an orderly transition of power and pledged to support his successor. Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, has confirmed his candidacy for the leadership position, receiving early support from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Other potential contenders include former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, though he remains undecided. Burnham, upon being sworn in as an MP for Makerfield, faced both applause and some opposition in the House of Commons. His priorities reportedly include focusing on becoming an MP first and later addressing whether to call a general election if he becomes prime minister. Starmer's tenure as Prime Minster
Who will be Labour’s next general secretary?
The article poses the question of who will become the next general secretary of the UK Labour Party, highlighting the internal leadership transition within the party. It suggests that this role is significant as it involves overseeing the party's operations and strategy. The piece appears to focus on the potential candidates and the process of selecting the new leader, though it does not provide specific names or detailed information on the current contenders. The lack of additional content implies that the article serves more as a prompt for further discussion rather than offering comprehensive analysis.
America’s Wrecking-ball Revolution
The article discusses the current state of American politics, highlighting a period of significant upheaval and transformation. It refers to this era as a 'wrecking-ball revolution,' suggesting a forceful disruption of existing systems and norms. The piece likely examines the impact of recent political movements, policies, and societal changes that challenge traditional structures. It may explore themes such as polarization, shifts in governance, and the redefinition of political power. The article aims to provide insight into the forces reshaping the United States and their broader implications.
Taylor Swift, American manipulator-in-chief
The article titled 'Taylor Swift, American manipulator-in-chief' by the New Statesman appears to present Taylor Swift in a negative light, labeling her as a manipulative figure. The piece likely critiques her influence in popular culture and possibly her perceived control over fan engagement and media narratives. While the exact content of the article is not fully provided, the headline suggests a critical stance toward Swift's public persona and actions. The article does not reference any specific official sources or provide detailed evidence to support the claim of manipulation, which raises questions about the depth and objectivity of the argument presented.
Sainsbury's to make major change in 150 stores that all shoppers should be aware of
Sainsbury's is expanding the use of facial recognition technology, known as Facewatch, to up to 150 stores in the UK to combat shoplifting and antisocial behavior. The system, currently active in 55 stores, alerts staff when individuals with a history of violence, aggression, or theft enter the premises. It claims to have a 99.98% accuracy rate and has shown effectiveness in reducing theft and harmful behaviors during trials. However, the technology faced criticism after an incident where an innocent shopper, Warren Rajah, was wrongly identified and removed from a store, leading to his description of the experience as 'humiliating.' Sainsbury's apologized, attributing the error to human mistake rather than technological failure, and emphasized that all alerts are reviewed by humans before action is taken. Other retailers and businesses also use similar systems.
How the Catholic Church made Andy Burnham
The article explores the role of the Catholic Church in shaping the political career of Andy Burnham, a potential future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It contrasts Burnham's Catholic upbringing with the generally secular nature of British politics, noting that many prominent politicians, including Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, have had complex relationships with religion. Burnham, raised in a Catholic household and educated in Catholic institutions, has expressed admiration for Pope Francis and emphasized themes of inclusivity and engagement with marginalized communities. Despite his Catholic background, Burnham has occasionally criticized the Church on social issues such as same-sex marriage. The piece highlights the historical context of Catholic emancipation in Britain and notes ongoing legal restrictions regarding Catholics holding certain positions within the government.
Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t lost the battle yet
The article titled 'Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t lost the battle yet' by the New Statesman suggests that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still holds significant influence or support despite ongoing challenges. The piece likely discusses recent political developments in Israel, possibly related to his leadership, policies, or electoral prospects. While the exact content is not fully provided, the headline implies a narrative that frames Netanyahu as still being a formidable political force. The article does not offer detailed context or specific events, leaving room for interpretation regarding the nature of the 'battle' referenced.
Happy Birthday America - New Statesman
The article 'Happy Birthday America' by New Statesman appears to be a celebratory piece marking the United States' independence day. It likely reflects on historical themes, cultural significance, or contemporary relevance of American independence. The content does not provide specific details but suggests a general reflection on the occasion. Given the lack of detailed information, the article seems to offer a broad commentary rather than an in-depth analysis.
The Degradation of Independence
The article discusses the erosion of independence within various institutions or entities, likely focusing on the diminishing autonomy of organizations, nations, or systems over time. It explores factors contributing to this decline, such as external pressures, internal challenges, or shifts in power dynamics. The piece highlights the implications of reduced independence, including potential impacts on governance, decision-making, and accountability. While specific examples are not detailed in the provided excerpt, the overarching theme centers on the gradual loss of self-governance and the consequences that follow.
Ben Rhodes’ empty words
The article critiques Ben Rhodes' recent comments, suggesting they lack substance or meaningful contribution to ongoing discussions. It implies that his remarks fail to address critical issues or provide new insights, potentially undermining their credibility or impact. The piece likely explores the context of Rhodes' statements and evaluates their relevance within current political or social discourse.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
