Sebastian Payne, The Times Journalist Profile

Articles

High streets are more than shops, they're about local pride

1 month ago | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne
Help! I've been to see Operation Mincemeat 12 times

1 month ago | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne

Zealous fandom for musicals is nothing new - think of Rent in the 1990s or Hamilton a decade ago. In both instances they captured the zeitgeist while inspiring passions thanks to their scripts, music, lyrics and casts. But Mincemeat arrived in the online era, forging an even greater sense of community. There are tweets and hashtags. There are in-jokes.
Britain's new angry young men have growth in their sights

1 month ago | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne
My hometown's bridge to nowhere shows levelling up is still vital

2 months ago | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne
My night out at Starmer's favourite pub

2 months ago | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne

Last week Starmer decreed: "There's nothing any of us like better than going to the local for a pint," adding that he had made the four-mile journey to the spot in his constituency a "couple of times" since moving to Downing Street. It also happens to be one of my favourites. For many years I lived within walking distance of this pub. I've enjoyed too many pints here with friends. I've had birthday drinks in the cavernous upstairs room.
Rayner's council plan isn't a ruse

2 months ago | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne
do our universities need fixing?

Jan 24, 2025 | thetimes.com | Sebastian Payne
Jeremy Clarkson is the political hero the country is crying out for

Nov 20, 2024 | inews.co.uk | Sebastian Payne

Jeremy Clarkson, liked and loathed in equal measures, is impossible to ignore. His first coming as the nation’s motormouth brought him legions of fans for his car reviews and hijinx with the Top Gear trio. The second Clarkson coming that no one predicted was the reincarnation as a hapless farmer turned compelling spokesperson for rural England. His successful transformation from the first to the second was due to a new-found humility. Clarkson knew he was good at cars, but rubbish at farming.
Thames Water has an ocean of debt, but Labour should not throw it a lifeline

Nov 14, 2024 | inews.co.uk | Sebastian Payne

The tide is rising for Thames Water. Those who haven’t been following i‘s reports on the saga of the UK’s largest water supply and treatment company, prepare yourselves. Serving some 16 million customers with water and treatment facilities, Thames is a tale of ineptitude, poor regulation and creaking infrastructure.
Unlike other countries, the UK could gain from a Trump presidency

Nov 7, 2024 | inews.co.uk | Sebastian Payne

The reeling from the re-election of Donald Trump is palpable both sides of the Atlantic. In the United States, there is much hand-wringing, not only about how the 45th president became the 47th, but also about the consequences. With such a comprehensive and thorough victory, there’s no doubt that Trump will seek to re-mould America in his image once more.