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There’s a reason politicians are starting to read us before breakfast, and national broadsheets and broadcasters are name-checking our stories.
What we’re building at The Lead is working. Our award-winning local journalism is cutting through the noise, sparking the kinds of conversations that shape this country.
When The Lancashire Lead broke the story about the Reform-run county council leader re-sharing a death threat against a female MP, it didn’t stay local for long. Within 24-hours, it was being directly referenced by Keir Starmer at PMQs, and it was picked up by major news outlets, you might have heard them talking about it on The News Agents podcast this week too.
Our reporting on Lancashire County Council’s decision to scrap its Library of Sanctuary scheme for refugees was picked up by The Guardian, amplifying concerns that began with a Lancashire Lead journalist asking persistent questions on behalf of their community.
In Teesside and Calderdale, we have been digging into public spending, governance and regeneration deals that affect thousands of residents. Our reporters in Blackpool and Southport follow the paper trails, sit through the meetings, and scrutinise the promises made about jobs and investment. Where others move on, we stay with the story.
And in south Wales, our newly launched The Valleys Lead is already building momentum with hundreds of subscribers – reporting on health inequalities, pressures on local services, and the worsening SEND crisis with the clarity and depth that only comes from really understanding a local area.
None of our work exists in isolation. When The Lead investigates systemic maternal health failings, the crisis of child poverty, or the pervasive racial inequalities embedded in public policy, it is always underpinned by what our local reporters are uncovering every day. For less than a fiver a month - you can subscribe now and support what we do at The Lead.
The national picture is sharper because it is grounded in real communities. Lots of people like to tell you local journalism is really important, but they aren’t out there doing it like we are.
A subscription to The Lead doesn’t just fund one newsletter. It supports a growing network of sister titles across the country – from Lancashire to Teesside to the Valleys of South Wales – ensuring that when power overreaches or vulnerable communities are ignored, someone is there to take note and spread the word.