United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 2017
Ownership
UnHerd is a British news and opinion website founded in 2017 by hedge fund manager Paul Marshall (owner and publisher) and conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie (founding editor). It remains owned and bankrolled by Marshall, co-founder of the Marshall Wace hedge fund, who is also a major investor in GB News and, since 2024, the owner of The Spectator.
Funding
The site was launched and sustained by an endowment and ongoing financial backing from Marshall rather than by turning an early profit, and it has since added paid subscriptions alongside advertising. Its core funding comes from its wealthy proprietor.
Affiliation & stance
UnHerd is editorially right-of-centre and contrarian, but it is privately owned by an individual proprietor with no party or state control. Because it is a privately and commercially owned outlet free of party or government direction, it is classified INDEPENDENT; the site's CENTER_RIGHT lean is reasonable though it often runs distinctly RIGHT-leaning commentary.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 96
70/100
Factual
57/100
Objective
98
Articles
98
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Andy Burnham to hand mayors powers over local planning decisions
Andy Burnham, a senior Labour figure, is proposing that mayors gain greater control over local planning decisions for large-scale developments, including housing, towers, and skyscrapers. The proposal allows mayors to override council decisions, grant upfront permissions for certain developments, and influence how national housing funds are allocated. Critics, particularly from the Liberal Democrats, argue the move undermines local communities and councils, calling it a 'direct attack' on democratic participation. Burnham acknowledges potential concerns about disempowering local authorities but argues that challenges to planning decisions can come from either side. Ten of 14 devolved mayors have supported the initiative, aligning with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who received similar powers earlier this year. The government claims it is on track to meet its target of building 1.5 million homes in England within five years.
Drugs at their fingertips, intense pressure: Why child stars fall into addiction
Actress Hayden Panettiere, who rose to fame through the TV show 'Heroes,' died at 36, prompting discussions about the pressures faced by child stars and their vulnerability to addiction. She described using pills to boost energy during her career, later referring to this as the start of her struggle with substance abuse. Her death has reignited conversations about mental health and the challenges of fame at a young age. While the exact cause of death remains under investigation, there is no indication of foul play. Experts note that child actors often face unique risks due to early exposure to adult stressors. Panettiere had previously shared her struggles with addiction and mental health in a memoir, highlighting the need for support systems for those in the entertainment industry.
Cambridge agrees to hold independent inquiry into Jason Arday appointment
Cambridge University has agreed to conduct an independent inquiry into the appointment of Jason Arday as a professor of sociology of education, following internal pressure from senior academics. Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice acknowledged the controversy and admitted it has damaged the institution, though she characterized the situation as an 'aberration' that should not reflect on the capabilities of staff of color. Arday resigned after his claims came under scrutiny, and the university initially defended him against allegations of a smear campaign. The inquiry will examine his appointment in 2022 and his tenure at Cambridge, with findings intended to inform future hiring practices. Prentice noted that the education faculty shares responsibility for the appointment and acknowledged the impact on Black and minority ethnic academics at the university.
The red telephone box can save Britain
The article discusses the historical significance of the red telephone box, specifically the K2 model designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, and draws parallels between the challenges of integrating new technologies with traditional aesthetics. It references the design of the K2, which was inspired by the neo-classical style of John Soane's tomb, and connects it to broader themes of balancing modernity with tradition. The piece reflects on how past architects like Scott sought to harmonize technological progress with cultural heritage, suggesting that similar approaches could be relevant today in addressing the impact of artificial intelligence. The article does not present a clear argument for or against preserving red telephone boxes but rather explores their symbolic and aesthetic value within the context of British history and architecture.
The collapse of the postwar order
The article argues that the post-World War II international order is collapsing due to multiple interconnected crises. It identifies three foundational pillars of this order, Western military dominance, the view of immigration as a cultural enrichment, and the belief that liberal democracy is universally achievable, as being under threat. Examples cited include the Israeli-Iran conflict, the migrant situation in Ceuta, and the challenges faced by Hamas in Gaza. The author suggests these developments signal a broader breakdown of the postwar liberal order. The piece also connects this decline to deeper structural issues within liberal capitalism, such as reliance on population growth and immigration, which are seen as unsustainable and leading to internal contradictions.
The sacred art of graffiti
The article explores the author's fascination with prehistoric cave art, drawing parallels between ancient artistic expressions and modern graffiti. During a visit to the Niaux caves in France, the author reflects on theories suggesting that much of the artwork in these caves was created by adolescent males, akin to contemporary youth-driven graffiti. The narrative includes observations about the nature of such art, often depicting themes of sex and violence, and connects this to historical discoveries made by young explorers. The piece also touches on the experience of touring the caves, noting the architectural features and the atmosphere of the site.
Germany’s demographic disaster
The article discusses the ongoing demographic challenges faced by Germany's eastern regions since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It highlights how nearly a quarter of former East Germans have migrated westward or abroad, primarily young, educated individuals, leading to aging populations and declining birth rates. While mainstream political parties frame the issue as an economic problem requiring immigration solutions, Eastern voters perceive it as cultural erosion and express deep pessimism. This sentiment has allowed right-wing populist parties like the AfD to gain significant support, with the party currently leading in upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt. The article contrasts the CDU's approach, which treats demographic changes as a manageable fact, with the AfD's focus on addressing the perceived loss of identity and community.
Why America is running out of missiles
The article discusses the growing concern over the United States' limited supply of long-range missiles, particularly in light of recent military actions against Iran. It questions why expensive stand-off missiles like the Tomahawk, which allow attacks from safe distances, are being used instead of cheaper alternatives like guided bombs. The author notes that while these missiles are crucial for avoiding enemy air defenses, their high cost and limited availability pose challenges for U.S. military strategy. The piece draws historical parallels to World War II, highlighting how advances in radar and standoff weaponry changed the course of conflict. It suggests that Iran's lack of modern radar systems makes it vulnerable to such precision strikes.
The Great Dumb-Down is here
The article discusses the author's personal journey from a working-class background to academic success, attributing their achievements to early exposure to books and reading. The author contrasts their experience with the broader societal trend of declining literacy and engagement with reading, citing concerns over the impact of technology, particularly smartphones, on reading habits. They reference James Marriott's book 'The New Dark Ages' and his earlier Substack post, which argue that reading is in decline and that this represents a cultural shift toward a 'post-literate' society. The piece suggests that this decline threatens intellectual development and social mobility, though it stops short of providing conclusive evidence or solutions.
Meet the Leftist radicals taking on Meloni
The article describes growing tensions in Turin, Italy, between local authorities and radical leftist groups, particularly those aligned with pro-Palestinian activism. In the Turin suburb of Vanchiglia, clashes have intensified between police forces and 'autonomi' and 'attivisti' groups that occupy a social center known as Askatasuna, meaning 'freedom' in Basque. These groups have been active for nearly three decades, serving as a hub for environmental activists. On December 18, 2025, police, under orders from Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, forcibly evicted the center, leading to ongoing confrontations. The situation reflects broader political dynamics, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government facing challenges despite her extended tenure and recent setbacks, including a failed judicial reform referendum.
Record number of illegal e-bikes seized across UK as police issue warning
The number of illegal e-bikes seized by UK police rose by 83% in a year, according to data obtained by the Press Association through freedom-of-information requests. Between 2022 and 2023, 7,049 illegal e-bikes were confiscated, compared to 3,858 in the prior period. Law enforcement agencies, politicians, and charities are calling for updated legislation to regulate non-compliant models, which have been linked to fatalities and serious injuries. Illegal e-bikes, which often exceed 70mph and lack necessary registration and insurance, are being used for both criminal activities and legitimate purposes like food delivery. Major police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, reported significant increases in seizures, with some areas seeing more than double the number of confiscations. Concerns have been raised about the role of these vehicles in facilitating crimes such as drug trafficking and theft.
America’s unstoppable Hispanic future
The article discusses the historical and potential future implications of U.S. dominance in Latin America, focusing on the growing influence of Hispanic populations within the U.S. It references the Trump administration's consideration of making Venezuela the 51st state, highlighting how such an action could significantly alter the political landscape by adding a large population to the electoral process. The piece contrasts this with past immigration policies like the 1986 Reagan Amnesty, which granted citizenship to fewer than 3 million undocumented immigrants, primarily from Latin America. It also draws parallels between current U.S.-Latin American relations and historical events such as the Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, noting the challenges faced by Mexican-Americans in maintaining land rights and legal protections. The article suggests that granting citizenship to millions of Venezuelans could lead to a situation similar to that of Mexican-Americans, where new citizens might face systemic disadvantages.
A storm is coming for Labour
Much of the UK has experienced an unusually hot and dry summer, with two-thirds of England still under drought conditions and record-breaking temperatures. This has led to severe impacts on agriculture, with the arable harvest expected to reach a record low. Extreme weather has caused wildfires, including a significant blaze in the New Forest and a devastating fire in Stourbridge that destroyed nearly 40 homes. These events have raised concerns about the UK's readiness for climate-related crises. The article highlights the tension between addressing climate change and maintaining energy security, noting that public opinion supports action on climate issues but expects minimal disruption to daily life.