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
Male domestic abuse survivor who almost 'gave up' wants others to know help is out there
man and baby's hand
Domestic abuse

Male domestic abuse survivor who almost 'gave up' wants others to know help is out there

Millions can't afford essentials like food. The next government must take action from day one
keir starmer campaigning ahead of general election
General election 2024

Millions can't afford essentials like food. The next government must take action from day one

Child poverty in working households soared by 1,350 a week since Tories came to power, report finds
a child reading
Poverty

Child poverty in working households soared by 1,350 a week since Tories came to power, report finds

Half of disabled people in the UK feel ignored this general election: 'We have a right to be heard'
Mohammed Azeem and support worker Caz
Disability rights

Half of disabled people in the UK feel ignored this general election: 'We have a right to be heard'

Keir Starmer says benefits lack 'dignity' – but real indignity is Britain's broken welfare system
keir starmer
General election 2024

Keir Starmer says benefits lack 'dignity' – but real indignity is Britain's broken welfare system

June 2024 payment dates for DWP benefits – plus universal credit increase
money in wallet/ dwp benefits
Benefits

June 2024 payment dates for DWP benefits – plus universal credit increase

Even though I have Down's syndrome, I know how to party. I'm the first and last on the dance floor
Down The Lens creators Emily and Sophie
Learning Disability Week 2024

Even though I have Down's syndrome, I know how to party. I'm the first and last on the dance floor

'I want to get out': The fight for people with learning disabilities to live at home – not hospitals
Learning Disability Week 2024

'I want to get out': The fight for people with learning disabilities to live at home – not hospitals

One in five Brits say they feel 'reluctant' just talking to someone with a learning disability
Learning disability week 2024

One in five Brits say they feel 'reluctant' just talking to someone with a learning disability

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke: 'Surviving brain injuries gave me a fire to keep going'
Exclusive

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke: 'Surviving brain injuries gave me a fire to keep going'

'How dare he': Sunak claims the Tories have reduced child poverty – but it's not exactly the truth
rishi sunak/ child poverty
General election 2024

'How dare he': Sunak claims the Tories have reduced child poverty – but it's not exactly the truth

Rishi Sunak says slashing benefits is his 'moral mission'. But what's moral about causing anxiety?
Rwanda Rishi Sunak
Benefits

Rishi Sunak says slashing benefits is his 'moral mission'. But what's moral about causing anxiety?