UK democracy dead? Starmer panics, axes daily journo grilling, rolls red carpet for influencers?

Britain’s government is under fire after revelations that more than half a million pounds of public money was spent on social media influencers while traditional press access is being tightened. Freedom of Information data shows a sharp rise in influencer hiring across departments, raising questions about priorities, transparency and accountability. As lobby briefings face cuts and journalists warn of shrinking scrutiny, critics say No.10 is reshaping how power communicates with the public. Is this modern outreach, or a dangerous shift away from democratic oversight?