Political strategist for @ThinkLabour. Non-resident fellow at @ACEurope & @ThirdWayTweet & founder @NoCowsPod. Ex-UK Govt spad, always @mancity 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇩🇪
London
Joined March 2009
- Tweets12.1K
- Following2.4K
- Followers3.5K
- Likes7.5K
Ed Owen retweeted
Excellent piece by @janemerrick23 on 9/11, including the recollections of UK officials like @Ed_Owen & @ayeshahazarika in the shellshocked aftermath. "Nothing is going to be the same again."
inews.co.uk/news/politics/tr…
Ed Owen retweeted
This is Labour's last chance. Andy Burnham has created some space for optimism and hope. Now it needs to be filled with some compelling ideas. Special post-conference episode out now over on Substack or in your feeds from the morning featuring @BenLucas_ @AnnaCMcShane & @Ed_Owen.
Ed Owen retweeted
NEW POLLING: 'Reindustrialisation' is one of the Prime Minister’s favourite slogans. Some economists dismiss it as nostalgic and naive. But what do voters think?
The verdict is clear: voters love the term, with net approval of +61 points, rising to +67 among Labour’s 2024 voters
Ed Owen retweeted
Labour’s Second Chance with Muslim Voters?
Our latest focus groups found cautious optimism about Andy Burnham - but also a clear demand for proof that Labour can deliver on its core values.
In our new Substack, we explore what it will take to win back voters who have moved to the Greens, and what it means for Labour in Holborn and St Pancras.
thinklabour.substack.com/p/l…
Ed Owen retweeted
NEW REPORT: Painting The City Red by Christabel Cooper and Dan Mead.
Labour has a problem in our cities.
Once dominant across metropolitan Britain, Labour’s support has fallen sharply - while the Greens have made significant gains in many of the places that should be among Labour’s strongest.
Our new report asks why, and what Labour can do about it.
theguardian.com/politics/202…
Great to see this report on unshackling the state now out from the fantastic Millie Wood. It’s also got a foreword from my former boss!
If the state is lame, voters have no good reason to support social democracy.
Government has become too good at process - and too bad at delivery.
Our new report, The Lame Leviathan, argues that decades of rules, consultations and legal checks have made it harder for governments to get things done.
If Labour wants to govern well, we need less focus on process and restore the power to act.
The full report can be found here:
thinklabour.co.uk/thinking/t…
Ed Owen retweeted
People often assume they know what Labour members think. We decided to ask them.
The results might surprise you. Labour members back higher defence spending in an increasingly uncertain world and support reducing welfare spending.
Read more about what our polling found, and what ThinkLabour has been working on, in this piece from The Guardian.
theguardian.com/politics/202…
Life comes at you fast. So delighted for @alisonp_journo. Our time working together was hugely rewarding but far too short. But she will be a fantastic asset for @andyburnham. I'm looking forward to running with her baton to support, inspire and challenge the new @UKLabour govt
Ed Owen retweeted
As Andy Burnham prepares for power, @ThinkLabour's @ChristabelCoops joins the herd to look at Labour's electoral challenges and what he should do differently to ensure the party wins a second term. Out everywhere now. With @Ed_Owen @MarkDavies67 @BenLucas_.
Enjoyed speaking to @soph_husk for this piece on the 2nd anniversary of @UKLabour’s GE victory in 2024 and hopes for the future with @andyburnham in No.10 mirror.co.uk/news/politics/k…
Ed Owen retweeted
Can Britain achieve net zero without sacrificing energy security, economic growth and public support? Ahead of Thursday's by-election we look at the politics of energy with former No 10 advisor Nick Butler. Out now everywhere! @AnnaCMcShane @BenLucas_ @MarkDavies67 @Ed_Owen
Ed Owen retweeted
A new national insurance for Britain.
The two feelings shaping Britain today are unfairness and insecurity.
Millions worry about their future in an AI-driven economy. Families fear catastrophic care costs. Too many people feel the system is no longer there for them when they need it most.
Our new report argues for a new social contract: a welfare state built on contribution, security and shared stake. One that supports those most in need while giving everyone confidence that the state will be there when times get tough.
If we want to rebuild faith in public services, strengthen communities and create a fairer future, we need a system that works for everyone.
Read the report here - thinklabour.co.uk/thinking/p…
Ed Owen retweeted
This builds upon our recent report, Who is Labour For?
Which examines what electoral coalition is needed for Labour to win at the next election.
Read the full report here cms.thinklabour.co.uk/assets…
Ed Owen retweeted
Read this Labour List piece from our new Chair, Lord Nick Forbes. Where he sets out ThinkLabour's new role in the the current political environment.
He highlights the trade-offs behind delivery and says Britain’s challenges require serious thinking, not slogans.
Read more here: labourlist.org/2026/06/no-ge…
A hero of mine in the 1980s and a critical figure in saving the Labour Party
Ed Owen retweeted
Britain spent a decade choosing to be smaller in the world.
Right now the rules on communications, energy and trade are being rewritten. By China. By Russia. By countries that take their own security seriously. We need to be at that table. That's a choice we must make.
Strong countries get cheap energy. Weak countries pay whatever the strong ones decide.
Ed Owen retweeted
The next war won't be won by armies, navies or air forces alone.
It'll be won by the country whose 19 year olds can code, whose factories can build drones in weeks not years, and whose grid stays on when someone tries to switch it off.
Industry. Society. Economy. That's the fight now.
We're not ready. And we're not being honest about what getting ready will cost.
We don’t often agree but on this @ElbridgeColby is right
Ed Owen retweeted
What a fantastic evening at the ThinkLabour launch party!
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the start of this new chapter. It was great to see so many friends, colleagues and new faces in the room.
Special thanks to @AlistairCarns and @LucyMPowell for their thoughtful contributions and support.
Excited for what comes next at ThinkLabour.
