Ownership & classification
Founded: 1828
Ownership
The Spectator is a British weekly conservative magazine. Since September 2024 it has been owned by financier Sir Paul Marshall through his company Old Queen Street Ventures (OQS Media), which bought the title and its sister art magazine Apollo for about 100 million pounds, ending years of control by the Barclay family. Marshall is the co-founder of the Marshall Wace hedge fund and is also a major investor in GB News and the owner of UnHerd.
Funding
It is financed commercially through paid print and digital subscriptions and advertising. As a privately owned title backed by a wealthy proprietor, it relies on Marshall's investment alongside its established subscriber base rather than any state or party money.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is right-leaning and historically tied to the Conservative tradition, having employed Conservative politicians as editors and writers, but it is not owned or directed by any party or the state. Because it is privately and commercially owned by an individual proprietor with no party or government control, it is classified INDEPENDENT, consistent with the site's existing label, though its lean is firmly RIGHT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 15
80/100
Factual
70/100
Objective
46
Articles
46
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Recent coverage
- blend.spectator.co.uk
The provided text appears to be incomplete or non-functional, as it only contains the domain name 'blend.spectator.co.uk' without any additional content or article body. No further information can be extracted regarding the specific news story or its details.
4 July 2026 Cartoons
The article references '4 July 2026 Cartoons' from The Spectator, but no further details are provided regarding the content of the cartoons or their subject matter. As no additional information is available, the specific topic, context, or implications of the cartoons cannot be determined from the given text.

The Brexit vote 10 years on: your questions answered
The article discusses the 10th anniversary of the UK's Brexit referendum held on 23 June 2016, where a majority voted to leave the European Union. Following the referendum, the UK underwent several years of negotiations before officially leaving the EU on 31 January 2020, with a transition period lasting until 31 December 2020. The piece addresses reader questions about the impact of Brexit on various aspects such as the economy, immigration, and specific claims like the £350 million pledge. Regarding immigration, the article explains that post-Brexit, the UK introduced a points-based immigration system replacing the previous freedom of movement policy for EU citizens. Despite initial declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term immigration levels rose significantly between 2021 and 2023, reaching a record high of 1,469,000 in the year ending March 2023. However, subsequent figures show a decline, although they are not directly comparable to pre-pandemic numbers due to changes in calculation methods. Post-Brexit, the composition of migrants has shifted, with non-EU immigrants now outnumbering EU immigrants.
The Spectator’s Mediterranean Cruise on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur® | 7 Nights | 13 June 2027 | all inclusive suites from £3,480
This article promotes a Mediterranean cruise organized by The Spectator, scheduled for July 2027, offering all-inclusive suites aboard the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur®. The cruise includes seven nights of travel, with pricing starting at £3,480. No specific destinations or itinerary details are provided in the text. The promotion appears to be an advertisement or promotional piece rather than a news report.
Wilbur - ‘I think I preferred it when she was doomscrolling.’ - 27 Jun
The article references a comment made by someone named Wilbur, who expresses a preference for a time when 'she' was engaged in 'doomscrolling,' a term often used to describe the compulsive consumption of negative news online. The statement suggests a critique of current behavior or content, possibly implying that the individual finds the present situation less concerning or more positive compared to the period of doomscrolling. However, due to the limited information provided, the exact context of the remark and the identity of 'she' remain unclear. The article does not provide further elaboration or background on this statement.
Robert Thompson - That time of year - 27 June 2026
The provided text does not contain sufficient information to form a complete summary of the article. It appears to be a heading or title from The Spectator magazine, referencing an article dated 27 June 2026 authored by Robert Thompson. No further content or context is available within the given text.
27 June 2026 Cartoons
The article references '27 June 2026 Cartoons' from The Spectator, but no further content or details are provided regarding the cartoons themselves. As such, there is insufficient information to determine the subject, framing, or any potential political lean of the piece. No official sources are cited, and no specific topics or events are described.
Three bets for the big all-weather meeting
The article titled 'Three bets for the big all-weather meeting' from The Spectator appears to focus on betting opportunities at a major horse racing event, likely the Epsom Derby or another significant race. The piece suggests three potential wagers that readers might consider placing, highlighting different horses or strategies. Given the nature of the content, which centers around sports betting rather than political or cultural issues, the subject does not fall under the defined categories of POLITICS or SPORTS. As such, the political charge is minimal, and the framing leans toward a commercial or recreational perspective.
The Spectator - new-app.spectator.co.uk
England vs South Africa New Years Test Cricket
The article discusses an upcoming Test cricket match between England and South Africa during the New Year period. It highlights the significance of the event as part of the cricketing calendar, noting the historical rivalry and competitive nature of the series. The piece outlines the teams' preparations, player lineups, and expectations for the matches. It also mentions the venue and timing of the games, emphasizing their importance in the broader context of international cricket.
The Ultimate Wild Life Safari with Aidan Hartley
The Spectator has announced an event titled 'The Ultimate Wild Life Safari with Aidan Hartley,' which appears to be a wildlife-themed experience led by Aidan Hartley. The event is part of The Spectator's series of exclusive experiences for its readers. No further details about the event's content, location, or specific activities have been provided in the available text.
A Masterclass in Magic with Mark Mason
The Spectator magazine hosted an event featuring magician Mark Mason, who delivered a performance described as a 'masterclass in magic.' The event was part of Spectator Events, which organizes various cultural and entertainment activities.
An evening of cricket with Daniel Norcross
The Spectator Events hosted an evening of cricket featuring Daniel Norcross. The event was likely a social or promotional gathering centered around the sport of cricket, with Daniel Norcross participating as a notable figure. No specific details about the event's purpose, participants, or outcomes were provided in the available text.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.