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
'We are heartbroken': Hull group loses hip-hop bus which fights poverty and changes lives
beats bus
Community

'We are heartbroken': Hull group loses hip-hop bus which fights poverty and changes lives

Millions of people at risk of 'toxic cycle' of long-term mental health and money problems
money and mental health
Cost of living crisis

Millions of people at risk of 'toxic cycle' of long-term mental health and money problems

UK 'no longer a leader in disability rights' as UN finds Tory policy has led to 'hate'
united nations/ disability rights
Disability rights

UK 'no longer a leader in disability rights' as UN finds Tory policy has led to 'hate'

'Utterly dire situation': Childcare costs surge to 'eye-watering' £158 per week
childcare
Childcare

'Utterly dire situation': Childcare costs surge to 'eye-watering' £158 per week

Tory government 'demonises' disabled people who face 'onerous' benefits system, UN warns
disability benefits/ disabled people
Disabled people

Tory government 'demonises' disabled people who face 'onerous' benefits system, UN warns

'I just cry': Millions of elderly Brits in poverty as state pension falls short of basic living costs
pensioner yvonne
Poverty

'I just cry': Millions of elderly Brits in poverty as state pension falls short of basic living costs

'I'm in crippling debt': Brits are falling behind on bills in record numbers amid cost of living crisis
pay debt
Cost of living crisis

'I'm in crippling debt': Brits are falling behind on bills in record numbers amid cost of living crisis

I had no job, long-term mental health issues and £50,000 of debt. Now I'm living debt free
debt/ david davensac
Debt

I had no job, long-term mental health issues and £50,000 of debt. Now I'm living debt free

DWP faces 'outrage' and 'paranoia' if it continues plans to 'spy' on bank accounts
DWP
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP faces 'outrage' and 'paranoia' if it continues plans to 'spy' on bank accounts

Big Issue founder calls for a Ministry of Poverty Prevention ahead of the general election
john bird/ ministry of poverty prevention
Ministry of Poverty Prevention

Big Issue founder calls for a Ministry of Poverty Prevention ahead of the general election

The problem with UK's film industry? It's easier to win an Oscar if you went to private school
oscars/ film
Film

The problem with UK's film industry? It's easier to win an Oscar if you went to private school

Housing estate plagued by mould, damp and dire conditions. Now, residents are fighting back
tower hamlets
Housing

Housing estate plagued by mould, damp and dire conditions. Now, residents are fighting back