Author Profile

Michael Burton

Michael Burton

Michael Burton is editorial director of The MJ

Articles by Michael Burton

The big opportunity for local government

By Michael Burton | 14 June 2017

The Government is heavily exposed to backbench revolts – not just on Brexit but on public sector ...

What happened under the last minority government?

By Michael Burton | 14 June 2017

Michael Burton looks back to the last time the UK had a minority government to see what history c...

May is now uniquely exposed to backbench revolts on public sector reforms

By Michael Burton | 09 June 2017

Michael Burton unpicks the numbers in the wake of the shock General Election result.

A bulging in-tray awaits the communities secretary next week

By Michael Burton | 06 June 2017

From community cohesion to business rates, devolution and adult social care, whoever walks into M...

We are dangerously dependent on London as a cash cow

By Michael Burton | 30 May 2017

The nation’s public finances rely too much on the capital, and the Tories seem indifferent to wha...

The manifestos airbrushed out austerity but it hasn't gone away

By Michael Burton | 24 May 2017

While all three main parties emphasise how much they intend to give to the NHS, and to a lesser e...

Parties promise less austerity but little more on devolution

By Michael Burton | 24 May 2017

Local government received a passing mention in last week’s party manifestos but their main focus...

Borrowing drops ahead of General Election

By Michael Burton | 23 May 2017

The Government has been handed good news on the public finances with the last official figures be...

In the real world the storm clouds are gathering

By Michael Burton | 17 May 2017

As the parties make hollow pre-election promises, Michael Burton warns there are serious question...

Will all eyes now be on local government?

By Michael Burton | 10 May 2017

Michael Burton suggests the political focus could shift to local government after the general ele...