Toby Helm
Toby Helm is a journalist known for his in-depth reporting on politics and economics. He currently serves as the Observer's political editor, providing insightful analysis on the UK political landscape. His work often covers topics such as taxation, public spending, and the impact of economic policies on society. Helm has reported extensively on the 2024 UK general election, focusing on issues like wealth inequality, child poverty, and the role of foreign student visas in the UK economy. In addition to his political reporting, Helm has also explored historical parallels and potential consequences for the Conservative party following their electoral losses. His articles often feature interviews with key political figures and economists, as well as data-driven analysis to support his claims.
88%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
85%
Examples:
- But another ex-home secretary, the firebrand rightwinger Suella Braverman, was said to be in danger of falling short of gaining the support of the 10 MPs needed to get through to the next stage.
- Instead of decisions aimed at “sabotaging prospects for the next government,”, the chancellor should focus on the long-term national interest with measures to spur investment and growth.
- Leading economists warn today that Jeremy Hunt will “cost the country dear” if he gambles on pre-election cuts to tax and spending in this week s budget.
- The article presents an opinion that tax cuts will cost the country dear without providing any evidence or reasoning behind this claim.
- The article quotes former advisers to the Treasury who warn against using the budget for political reasons, but then proceeds to quote other economists who also advise against such actions.
- The article states that “tax cuts to stimulate a pre-election consumer spending spree is the last thing the British economy needs and will cost us all dear,” but provides no evidence to support this claim.
Conflicts of Interest
93%
Examples:
- Keir Starmer has moved fast to stamp his mark on his premiership - and to define it as ambitious, realistic, but above all straight and honest.
- Rachel Reeves is expected to pursue an economic agenda influenced by Janet Yellen’s policies
- Reeves wrote in a book that her securonomics approach has roots in Yellen’s modern supply-side economics
- ]The upcoming quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury will provide information on how much bond supply there will be.[
Contradictions
97%
Examples:
- Labour won a landslide general election victory with a massive Commons majority of 174, while the Tories were routed.
- Prison population in England and Wales is at 87,453 out of a ‘useable operational capacity’ of 88,864.
- Starmer hinted at radical change in prison overcrowding and reform of the criminal justice system.
- Starmer stated that he was ‘restless for change’ and determined to deliver on his campaign promises.
- The new prime minister expects his ministers to hold themselves and their departments to the ‘highest standards of integrity and honesty’
- ]The new prime minister stressed that politics would be returned to a duty of service under his leadership[
Deceptions
83%
Examples:
- The article presents an opinion that tax cuts will cost the country dear without providing any evidence or reasoning behind this claim.
- The article quotes former advisers to the Treasury who warn against using the budget for political reasons, but then proceeds to quote other economists who also advise against such actions.
- The article states that “tax cuts to stimulate a pre-election consumer spending spree is the last thing the British economy needs and will cost us all dear,” but provides no evidence to support this claim.
Recent Articles
Priti Patel Announces Bid for Conservative Party Leadership: A Promise of Revival and Reconnection
Broke On: Saturday, 27 July 2024Former Home Secretary Priti Patel announces her bid for the Conservative Party leadership, becoming the fifth contender. She plans to focus on conservative policies and promises a revolution by handing back control to party members. Patel has been expected to run and has accused rivals of personal attacks. 
New Labour Prime Minister Starmer's Cabinet: Reeves as Chancellor, Timpson as Prisons Minister, and Key Appointments
Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024Keir Starmer is sworn in as the UK's new prime minister, appointing Rachel Reeves as Chancellor of the Exchequer and James Timpson as Prisons Minister. The Labour Party focuses on increasing NHS appointments, pursuing modern supply-side economics, reducing reoffending rates, and addressing prison overcrowding. New Labour Prime Minister Starmer's Cabinet: Reeves as Chancellor, Timpson as Prisons Minister, and Key Appointments
Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024Keir Starmer is sworn in as the UK's new prime minister, appointing Rachel Reeves as Chancellor of the Exchequer and James Timpson as Prisons Minister. The Labour Party focuses on increasing NHS appointments, pursuing modern supply-side economics, reducing reoffending rates, and addressing prison overcrowding. 
UK Tax Burden Long and Difficult to Cut, Economists Warn Against Pre-Election Cuts
Broke On: Sunday, 03 March 2024UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt warns of the difficulty in cutting tax burden and advises against pre-election cuts to tax and spending. He also mentions a quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury on bond supply. Economists closely watch upcoming budget decisions before election, while critics accuse Hunt of short-termism hindering growth and investment.