Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is associate editor at the Big Issue, where she specialises in coverage of the poverty and welfare system. She has interviewed prime ministers Andy Burnham and Sir Keir Starmer, written impactful series on the special education system, abortion rights and homelessness, led Big Issue takeovers by people with a learning disability, young people and people with Alzheimer's, as well as conducted many high-profile celebrity interviews. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025, was a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023 (formerly known as the 30 under 30) and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. She also has an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
1.6 million children at risk of 'losing their life chances' because of 'cruel' two-child benefit cap
three children
Child poverty

1.6 million children at risk of 'losing their life chances' because of 'cruel' two-child benefit cap

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the summer holidays?
Free school meals/ Easter holidays
Free school meals

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the summer holidays?

The new Labour government must make changes so disabled people can enjoy sport
disabled people sport
Chloe Schendel-Wilson

The new Labour government must make changes so disabled people can enjoy sport

'I felt intimidated': Disabled people feel shut out of playing and watching sport, report finds
mary on a climbing wall
Disability rights

'I felt intimidated': Disabled people feel shut out of playing and watching sport, report finds

July 2024 DWP payment dates for benefits and pensions
uk cash laid out
Benefits

July 2024 DWP payment dates for benefits and pensions

Who is Liz Kendall? Work and pensions secretary's beliefs and what she'll mean for the DWP
Liz Kendall/ dwp secretary
Department for Work and Pensions

Who is Liz Kendall? Work and pensions secretary's beliefs and what she'll mean for the DWP

Labour government urged to fix 'broken benefits system' for disabled and vulnerable people
jobcentre plus/ dwp
Benefits

Labour government urged to fix 'broken benefits system' for disabled and vulnerable people

Keir Starmer promises 'sunlight of hope' – but can he offer progress on ending poverty in the UK?
Keir Starmer
Poverty

Keir Starmer promises 'sunlight of hope' – but can he offer progress on ending poverty in the UK?

What will the new Labour government do for benefit claimants and the welfare system?
Benefits

What will the new Labour government do for benefit claimants and the welfare system?

'DWP doesn't seem to care': Jobcentres close on election day as 1,500 security guards go on strike
jobcentre
Department for Work and Pensions

'DWP doesn't seem to care': Jobcentres close on election day as 1,500 security guards go on strike

Zoë Wanamaker on Donald Trump, 'right-wing a**holes' and why we all should be kinder to one another
zoe wanamaker
Social justice

Zoë Wanamaker on Donald Trump, 'right-wing a**holes' and why we all should be kinder to one another

Sunak's flagship free childcare scheme under threat from staffing 'crisis'
child at window
Childcare

Sunak's flagship free childcare scheme under threat from staffing 'crisis'