Published by The i paper (16th September, 2019) Every now and then I am struck by the stench of our putrefying politics. It hit me last week when […]
Politics
When former leaders miss the limelight
Published by The i paper (5th November, 2018) This may be a controversial statement in the current political climate, but David Cameron is a decent person. As prime […]
Politics
Tories should revive the Big Society (but not tell anyone)
Published by The i paper (1st October, 2018) As the Tories gather for their annual conference, they are in dismal shape – angry, divided and struggling to deliver […]
Politics
So much to do beyond Brexit
Published by The ipaper (9th January, 2017) It is strange that Theresa May’s honeymoon period has lasted so long, given her abrupt ascent to power and the deep […]
Europe / Greece / Immigration / Policy
The big society bites back on refugees
Published by The Independent (7th September, 2015) Over the past five years I have spent much of my time covering the story of migration. I have met people […]
Politics
Why are the Tories not racing away with this election?
Published by The Daily Telegraph (1st April, 2015) George Osborne hit the campaign trail in Hove yesterday, posing for cheesy pictures as he made pizzas in a restaurant. Outside, […]
Policy / Politics
When localism confronts Bonapartism
Published by The Guardian (4th July, 2014) A whiteboard in the corner of Jeremy Hunt’s Whitehall office symbolises a struggle over the soul of modern government. It details […]
Politics
Tories would do well to read those deleted speeches
Published in The Guardian (November 15th, 2013) Lynton Crosby, the hard-nosed Australian strategist being paid £500,ooo to ensure the Conservatives win the next election, has a phrase regularly heard […]
Politics
Cameron must now embrace the spirit of the Games
Published in The Independent (August 13th, 2012) Well, that was some party, wasn’t it? A fabulous fortnight in which Britain proved it was still a global player, shattering […]
Politics
The Tea Party Tories
Published in The Guardian (April 5th, 2012) For all his faults, Tony Blair was an acute observer of the political scene. Surveying events from No 10, he would […]
Politics
Believe it or not, Steve Hilton is the only real Thatcherite in Cameron’s No 10
Published in The Mail on Sunday (July 31st) Five years ago, as the hours ticked down to David Cameron’s first party conference speech as leader, there were nerves […]
Policy / Politics
Britain’s big gamble puts the citizens at the wheel
Published in the Financial Times (December 28th, 2010) Lady Perry, a former chief inspector of schools in England, uses an anecdote from her time as a young teacher […]