Thursday, November 14, 2024

Hello, and welcome to another Independent Voices roundup.

After an intense campaign, it looks like Musk's fervent support for America's next president has paid off. The SpaceX, Tesla and X mogul has a new job – and will now wield real political power as the head of a newly created Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in the upcoming administration.

If that prospect doesn't terrify you, you haven't been paying attention, wrote Alan Rusbridger. Meanwhile, James Moore took a closer look at the role the department could take on and asked: what could possibly go wrong?

Across the pond, it seems as if Wes Streeting is taking lessons straight from the Trump playbook. As the health secretary unveiled his plans to shake up the NHS this week, Sean O'Grady noted that it was a Trump move with one key difference. Andrew Grice argued the reforms, which will re-introduce hospital league tables and see underperforming managers barred from other NHS jobs, offer the ailing health service its best and final chance to survive.

Until next week!

Victoria Richards

Voices Editor | @nakedvix

Most commented this week

In the spotlight

Jamie Oliver has learnt the hard way what the moral of his story is

By Katie Edwards

There's one huge fight on Friday night – and I'm not talking about Mike Tyson

By Gemma Abbott

Could Zelensky really go nuclear and build a 'dirty bomb' if Trump ends Ukraine support

By Mark Almond 

I was first to out serial abuser John Smyth – but I wish Welby hadn't resigned

By Anne Atkins

Let e-scooters on our roads – it'll give cyclists like me a break from motorists

By Paul Clements

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FEATURED OPINION: FLIC EVERETT

Worried about the taramasalata shortage? Wait till you hear what else we're running out of…

It's a foretaste of the disasters that could soon befall the middle-class dinner party

Read more

Further reading

Tell us who should replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

Alex Scott deserves this accolade and honour. Has played to the highest level. Consolidates relevant and credible sports experience with an active role in leading broadcasts across a range of subject matters. Appeals to young viewers and a massive step for inclusion and diversity, although overall reason is how good she is at the job.

When the transfer window opens the Beeb should get Ian Wright as he is the next best presenter, in fact he may even grow to be better AND an ex-England player too!

Share your opinion and read the full debate here

Should more Church of England leaders resign?

"I welcome the resignation of Justin Welby after it was found that Church of England leaders knew at the highest level about John Smyth's abuse of hundreds of children in its care," writes Neil Barber to The Independent. He now expects more resignations to come. Do you agree? Read the full letter here.

Last week, 70% of you agreed with Catherine Bolton, who said that the royal duchy estates should be dissolved, with the money given the the NHS and state schools.

Send your own thoughts to letters@independent.co.uk

Cartoon of the week

Dave Brown

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