@muteswann
In Edinburgh | anti-corruption and political integrity | Scotland & Wales | for @transparencyuk.bsky.social | Co-chair of Open Government Partnership Scotland | she/her | Slightly obsessed with Glen Powell
Screenshot of Reform UK website showing 404 Not Found when looking for policy documents
Great to see Reform UK working at the utmost of professional standards and ensuring their website links are all working.
UK government: the UK will stand up for democracy and civil society... as we work together to address threats to democratic resilience, shrinking space for civil society. opengovernment.org.uk/2025/12/01/u...
Also UK government: Home Sec 'disappointed' Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful.
on the verge of what is the actual point anymore with all this white male fuckaboutery
what it means for women and girls to be able to clearly see that we live in a world where so many of the richest and most powerful men alive are just not bothered enough by their exploitation. Or worse."
"even now we’re looking the wrong way. I keep hearing frantic commentary about what this means for Keir Starmer, for Fergie, for Mandelson’s peerage, whatever. How about the biggest and grimmest question of all:
Glad Marina Hyde has the column inches to say what I'm sure many of my circle are thinking
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Enabling environments for corruption can intersect with other abuses. Where elite networks operate without oversight, and misconduct faces no real consequences, multiple forms of exploitation - including sexual violence - continue with impunity. Accountability gaps don't exist in isolation.
🗣️ "Requiring Scotland's lobbying register to include the expense associated with lobbying would expose any links between access to decision makers and financial resources."
@muteswann.bsky.social spoke to @theferret.scot, calling for tighter lobbying rules.
www.theferret.scot/political-pa...
Plus a Scottish anti-corruption strategy! It's all go!
If you want to discuss what this means for Scotland, get in touch ✍️
Nigel Farage and Malcolm Oxford look at the camera unaware the Ghost of Christmas yet-to-come is looming and will expose their integrity failures
Nigel Farage holds his hands up as a shadowy version of himself looms large over his shoulders
And Murdo MacLeod’s images from the Reform event are just perfect. @libbybrooks.bsky.social do let him know I appreciate these immensely
The @theguardian.com and @australia.theguardian.com photogs are on fire today. This ‘quintessential teen pout’ is *chef’s kiss*
Including single-handedly causing money in Welsh politics to soar. Money that came from a firm who breached environmental regulations and had been fined for unsafe workplaces. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This Times article suggests Keir Starmer is considering Vaughan Gething for a spot in the House of Lords. Yep, that Vaughan Gething, who resigned as Welsh FM after a torrid period of challenges to his integrity. www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
At this rate TI-UK will have to start listing train companies amongst our donors.
Another week, another full refund for a delayed train. Which I appreciate but no wonder prices keep rising.
Image shows 4 women speaking on a stage in the Senedd.
Delighted to spend the day at the Senedd thinking about all the changes, opportunities and requirements for scrutiny as the parliament grows in size. Thanks to @jemm-s.bsky.social for co-presenting with me!
Cardiff!
It made me slightly (quite a lot) tearful at the sheer joy
Image is a screen grab from the submission referred to which states that Transparency International UK haS concerns at the level of detail currently in the draft Bill and at the detail of the reforms being left to secondary legislation. We would recommend at the least a requirement for an enhanced scrutiny process for the regulations made possible by the draft Bill and preferably for the pace of this legislation to be reconsidered.
The @transparencyuk.bsky.social submission to the Senedd Member Accountability Bill Committee is now on the Senedd website. business.senedd.wales/documents/s1...
Pleased to see others expressing concerns at the pace and Henry VIII clauses in the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability) Bill. business.senedd.wales/mgConsultati...
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social @electoralreform.bsky.social
Our evidence is now available here business.senedd.wales/documents/s1...
We’ve sent in our concerns and recommendation… watch this space!
business.senedd.wales/ieIssueDetai...
Except not really, because it's actually just a big list of Henry VIII powers, pushing all the detail into secondary legislation. Which will doubtless achieve exactly the opposite of the intention of improving accountability. Whither scrutiny of secondary legislation??
The Senedd is currently considering a Bill to introduce Recall, improve the functioning of the Standards Committee, and create an offence of deception in the run up to and during elections.
Such a great question and a fantastic thread of brilliant recs. I’d add: The Gentrification of the Mind by Sarah Schulman.
Also The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. I would ditto the Caro recs but elaborate to include Ina Caro whose travelogues are extraordinary.
Personal History is such an epic
Five Days at Memorial was devastating
+1 for Rising Tide
