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Sun, 5 January 2025

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Kate Proctor

Kate Proctor

Political Editor of PoliticsHome and The House magazine.

TRAILBLAZER: Anne Alexander was the only Black female lobby journalist for 18 years but she believes times are changing
Communities
By Kate Proctor
TRAILBLAZER: Anne Alexander was the only Black female lobby journalist for 18 years but she believes times are changing
Anne Alexander thinks it took the 2020 killing of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement to finally prompt editors into striving for a more diverse-looking lobby.
Defence Committee Chair Wants UK Military Assets Sent To Moldova In A Shift To 'A Cold War Mindset'
Foreign affairs
By Kate Proctor
Defence Committee Chair Wants UK Military Assets Sent To Moldova In A Shift To "A Cold War Mindset"
Moldova should be offered UK military assets to protect itself from possible Russian aggression in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, chair of the Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood has said.
The Harriet Harman interview: 'There are some things only women MPs can do'
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
The Harriet Harman interview: "There are some things only women MPs can do"
As a feminist, minister, leader and Mother of the House, Harriet Harman’s 40 years in Parliament have seen her fight relentlessly for change for women. In her first print interview since the sudden death of her husband Jack Dromey, the Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham outlines her plans to take her work global, and tells Kate Proctor how she is adjusting to a ‘new reality’ without her partner of five decades. Photography by Baldo Sciacca.
Boris Johnson Urged To Act In 'Days Not Months' On Oligarch Money in London
Defence
By Kate Proctor
Boris Johnson Urged To Act In "Days Not Months" On Oligarch Money in London
Labour has demanded that Boris Johnson enforces new laws to prevent money laundering by Vladimir Putin’s cronies in London within "days not months" as MPs gather to debate the Economic Crime Bill in Parliament today.

A Teenage Ukranian Refugee Fighting To Reach Safety Texts His Story
Foreign affairs
By Kate Proctor
A Teenage Ukranian Refugee Fighting To Reach Safety Texts His Story
PoliticsHome followed the journey of Aleksandr*, a 19-year-old Ukranian student, as he tries to flee the country. Through voice notes and swapping messages, he charts his last seven days of escaping war, and the impact on his family.
Sadiq Khan Calls On Government To Seize London Property Owned By Russian Oligarchs
Communities
By Kate Proctor
Sadiq Khan Calls On Government To Seize London Property Owned By Russian Oligarchs
The Mayor of London is calling for the cronies of President Putin to have their London properties seized by the UK government.
Home Office Grants Visa Extensions To Ukrainians In UK As People In Kyiv Start To Flee Westwards
Defence
By Kate Proctor
Home Office Grants Visa Extensions To Ukrainians In UK As People In Kyiv Start To Flee Westwards
The Home Office will provide temporary visa extensions for Ukrainians in the UK who are here to work, study or visit, as well as offer support to switch to different visa routes.
 
Labour Say Free Testing Could Continue If The Government Had Not Spent Billions On 'Dodgy PPE'
Coronavirus
By Kate Proctor
Labour Say Free Testing Could Continue If The Government Had Not Spent Billions On "Dodgy PPE"
Free Covid-19 testing for the general population could be extended if the government had not wasted so much money during the pandemic on poor equipment and loans, Labour has claimed.
Ukrainians In The UK Say They Are 'Scared For Tomorrow' And Demand Tougher Russia Sanctions
Defence
By Kate Proctor
Ukrainians In The UK Say They Are "Scared For Tomorrow" And Demand Tougher Russia Sanctions
The UK government must urgently bring forward tougher economic sanctions on Russia, Ukrainians living in London have said during an emotional demonstration outside Downing Street.
Senior Tory Says UK's 'Photo-Op' Diplomacy Over Russia Is A Sign Of Weakening Global Influence
Defence
By Kate Proctor
Senior Tory Says UK's "Photo-Op" Diplomacy Over Russia Is A Sign Of Weakening Global Influence
The UK’s diplomatic efforts to stop Russia invading Ukraine have been heavily criticised by a senior Tory who believes their approach is a sign of the country’s diminishing global influence.
How Low Can You Go: MPs Start A Race To The Bottom Over Their Pay
Coronavirus
By Kate Proctor
How Low Can You Go: MPs Start A Race To The Bottom Over Their Pay
Ahead of Ipsa announcing its decision on whether it will recommend a pay increase for MPs after a year-long freeze, Kate Proctor looks at the thorny issue of MPs’ salaries and asks whether leaders are engaged in “mutual destruction” on pay rises to keep the public onside.
Met Police To Review Decision Not To Look Into Downing Street Festive 'Quiz'
Communities
By Kate Proctor
Met Police To Review Decision Not To Look Into Downing Street Festive "Quiz"
The Metropolitan Police have said they will review the decision not to investigate a Christmas quiz held at Downing Street on 15 December 2020 after photos emerged of Boris Johnson at the event.
'Charming' Chris Heaton-Harris Appointed As New Chief Whip To Tame Rebels
Political parties
By Kate Proctor
"Charming" Chris Heaton-Harris Appointed As New Chief Whip To Tame Rebels
Rebellious Tories will be brought into line by "charming" new chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris, according to his allies.
Tory Insiders Criticise 'Unfair' Attacks On Chief Whip After Claims He's Set To Be Replaced
Political parties
By Kate Proctor
Tory Insiders Criticise "Unfair" Attacks On Chief Whip After Claims He's Set To Be Replaced
Several Tories are rallying behind chief whip Mark Spencer after numerous reports surfaced that he was set to be replaced as part of the Downing Street reset to save the Prime Minister.
The Last Workplace Taboo: Women's Experiences Of Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Health
By Kate Proctor
The Last Workplace Taboo: Women's Experiences Of Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are painful conditions that affect one in 10 women. For many, the workplace remains a challenging environment to be upfront about their illness in. Kate Proctor, who has adenomyosis, looks at women’s experiences and what needs to change.
Rishi Sunak Urged To Drop Green Levy To Ease The Cost Of Living Crisis
Environment
By Kate Proctor
Rishi Sunak Urged To Drop Green Levy To Ease The Cost Of Living Crisis
The Chancellor is facing renewed pressure from backbench MPs to scrap the green levy on energy bills in an effort to alleviate the spiralling cost of living.
Over A Quarter Of Tory Voters Would Not Vote For Boris Johnson's Conservatives If They Had Their 2019 Vote Again, Poll Shows
Communities
By Kate Proctor
Over A Quarter Of Tory Voters Would Not Vote For Boris Johnson's Conservatives If They Had Their 2019 Vote Again, Poll Shows
More than a quarter of Conservative voters who backed Boris Johnson at the 2019 general election would change their vote if they could go back in time, new polling has shown.
Met Police Face 'Watershed Moment' Over Misogyny And Discrimination Allegations, Senior Policing Figure Says
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Met Police Face "Watershed Moment" Over Misogyny And Discrimination Allegations, Senior Policing Figure Says
The former chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority believes the force is facing a “watershed moment” on a culture of misogyny, discrimination and harassment after shocking new allegations have prompted fresh calls for Met Commissioner Cressida Dick's resignation.
Victims Of Jimmy Savile Say Boris Johnson's Keir Starmer Claims Are 'Grubby And Reprehensible'
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Victims Of Jimmy Savile Say Boris Johnson's Keir Starmer Claims Are "Grubby And Reprehensible"
Victims of child sex offender Jimmy Savile have described false comments levelled at Keir Starmer about the sex offender as “grubby and reprehensible”.
Priti Patel Says Violent And Misogynistic Remarks Made By Police Are 'Sickening'
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Priti Patel Says Violent And Misogynistic Remarks Made By Police Are "Sickening"
Met police officers who made vile remarks about killing "African babies" and "hate-fucking" female colleagues has been described as "sickening" by Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Downing Street Pledges to Publish Updated Sue Gray Report When Police Investigation Completes
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Downing Street Pledges to Publish Updated Sue Gray Report When Police Investigation Completes
Number 10 has committed to publishing further details of Sue Gray's investigation into allegations of parties in Downing Street after the Met Police has completed their own inquiry into the matter.
Boris Johnson Allies Insist 'Dial Hasn't Shifted' On His Leadership Despite Police Party Inquiry
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Boris Johnson Allies Insist "Dial Hasn't Shifted" On His Leadership Despite Police Party Inquiry
Senior Conservative MPs seem to have thrown Boris Johnson a lifeline, and have not mobilised to oust him as Prime Minister, despite backbench fury over this morning's launch of a police investigation into Downing Street parties during lockdown.
Backbench Tories Warn Of 'Last Days Of Rome' For Boris Johnson Over Downing Street Police Inquiry
Coronavirus
By Kate Proctor
Backbench Tories Warn Of "Last Days Of Rome" For Boris Johnson Over Downing Street Police Inquiry
The Conservative party has been plunged into fresh crisis this morning with the announcement that Downing Street will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police over potentially law breaking parties held during the pandemic.
Tory Whips Won't Investigate Claims MP Was 'Blackmailed' Unless Evidence Is Provided
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Tory Whips Won't Investigate Claims MP Was "Blackmailed" Unless Evidence Is Provided
Tory whips will not investigate claims that MP Christian Wakeford was threatened over funding for a school in his constituency unless evidence of the allegation is provided.
Westminster Insiders Call For A 'Reset' On Downing Street Booze Culture After Lockdown Parties Went Too Far
Political parties
By Kate Proctor
Westminster Insiders Call For A "Reset" On Downing Street Booze Culture After Lockdown Parties Went Too Far
Downing Street needs a serious “reset” after its well established booze culture spiralled under lockdown and “went too far” according to those familiar with Number 10's now notorious "Friday night wine time".
Tory Defector Christian Wakeford Faces A Tough Battle To Win Over 'Upset' Local Labour
Political parties
By Kate Proctor
Tory Defector Christian Wakeford Faces A Tough Battle To Win Over "Upset" Local Labour
Labour members in Bury South are in shock after the defection of Tory MP Christian Wakeford, with some calling for a by-election now he has changed parties.
Tories Unimpressed With Johnson's 'Red Meat' Week As Atmosphere In Parliament Remains 'Febrile'
Coronavirus
By Kate Proctor
Tories Unimpressed With Johnson's "Red Meat" Week As Atmosphere In Parliament Remains "Febrile"
Tories have poured scorn on Downing Street’s so-called “red meat” week of populist policy announcements to distract from the party scandal and put Boris Johnson back on track.
Tory MPs Receive Hundreds Of Damning Emails From Constituents Over Downing Street Parties
Political parties
By Kate Proctor
Tory MPs Receive Hundreds Of Damning Emails From Constituents Over Downing Street Parties
Conservative MPs have said their inboxes have been flooded this week with outraged emails from constituents about the parties held in Downing Street, as public anger erupts over Boris Johnson's handling of the scandal.
Has Labour Finally Hit On A Winning Formula With Starmer’s New Top Team?
Home affairs
By Kate Proctor
Has Labour Finally Hit On A Winning Formula With Starmer’s New Top Team?
Six weeks on from Keir Starmer’s “moderates and media performers” shadow cabinet reshuffle, where loyalists were replaced with better known faces, has the Labour leader finally hit on a winning formula?
Ministers Accused Of Hiding 'Woeful' Lack Of Ex-Teachers Returning To Classrooms To Fill Covid Gaps
Coronavirus
By Kate Proctor
Ministers Accused Of Hiding "Woeful" Lack Of Ex-Teachers Returning To Classrooms To Fill Covid Gaps
Labour has accused ministers of trying to hide what appears to be a scant response to the government's call for former teachers to return to the classroom to cover staff off sick with Covid-19.
Leaseholders Still Face Huge Fire Safety Bills Despite New Cladding Support
Communities
By Kate Proctor
Leaseholders Still Face Huge Fire Safety Bills Despite New Cladding Support
Mounting fire safety costs are still a significant worry for people living in tower blocks despite minister Michael Gove's major announcement today that leaseholders in lower height buildings will not have to pay for the removal of unsafe cladding.
Government Accused Of 'Blind Optimism' Over Post-Brexit Farming Plans
Environment
By Kate Proctor
Government Accused Of "Blind Optimism" Over Post-Brexit Farming Plans
Defra's post-Brexit payment plan for farmers is based on “blind optimism” and the lack of information is "concerning", according to a powerful committee of MPs.
Teachers Have Told Pupils To Wear Thermals And Coats To Lessons To Cope With 'Freezing Classrooms'
Education
By Kate Proctor
Teachers Have Told Pupils To Wear Thermals And Coats To Lessons To Cope With "Freezing Classrooms"
Teachers are telling pupils to wear vests and thermals under their school shirts and keep their coats on in lessons as poorly ventilated classrooms are forced to open windows and doors to protect against Covid-19.
Teachers Feeling The Strain Of Covid Staff Absences Are Sceptical About Volunteer Scheme
Coronavirus
By Kate Proctor
Teachers Feeling The Strain Of Covid Staff Absences Are Sceptical About Volunteer Scheme
Just days into a new term teachers across the country have told PoliticsHome they are already facing severe staffing challenges as a result of Covid sickness and are having to make changes to the way pupils are taught. 
Meet Parliament's New Rebels
Parliament
By Kate Proctor
Meet Parliament's New Rebels
Good governance requires a bit of rebellion. It keeps the leaders on their toes and shows the many sides of an argument, even among those allegedly politically aligned.
My Most Memorable Christmas: MPs And Peers Reflect On Their Favourite Festive Moments
Communities
By Kate Proctor
My Most Memorable Christmas: MPs And Peers Reflect On Their Favourite Festive Moments
From surprise sledging to war-time gifts, family and community rallying to help one another through difficult times, our politicians share some touching tales from years gone by. Compiled by Kate Proctor.