Published by The i Paper & The Independent (8th February, 2016) For many years ministers privately complained that even the most carefully chosen chief inspector of prisons rapidly […]
Politics
The pollsters got it wrong – but they are still crucial for politicians
Published by The Daily Telegraph (20th January, 2016) Shortly before the 2010 general election, David Cameron sat down with the results of the latest in-depth opinion poll. It was […]
Economics / Politics
How I learned to love the interfering state
Published by The Guardian (15th January, 2016) Political archaeology studies the influence of the past in shaping politics. It explains why New Labour hugged the Murdoch press even […]
Europe / European Union / Politics / Syria / World
Ten years at the top – but trouble ahead on Syria and Brexit?
Published by The Mail on Sunday (6th December, 2015) Ten years ago today, a self-deprecating young politician called David Cameron took charge of the Conservatives – their fourth leader in […]
Aid / Drugs / Policy
Drug warriors being defeated, but Britain fights on
Published by The Independent (9th November, 2015) There can be no doubt that the daft war on drugs is devastating many of the world’s poorest countries, from Africa […]
Economics / Environment / Policy / Politics
There’s outrage over steel, but we should be furious over solar power
Published by The Guardian (23rd October, 2015) The former Tory party chairman Grant Shapps is promoting renewable energy in his new role as minister for Africa. Launching a bid […]
Crime / Policy / Politics / United States / World
Could the Tories’ decade in power really be defined by prison reform?
Published by The Independent (12th October, 2015) Shortly after the Conservatives won their unexpected victory in the general election, I asked a Downing Street aide what he thought […]
European Union / Politics
Cameron should defines his legacy and seize the centre ground
Published by The Independent (6th October, 2015) As the Conservatives open their annual conference, David Cameron has confounded his many critics. From the start of his party makeover […]
Politics
The Conservative Party needs a new name
Published by The Daily Telegraph (5th October, 2015) Gathering for their conference in Manchester this week, the Conservatives will attempt one of the most audacious makeovers in political […]
Politics
Ignore the siren voices and leave on your own terms, Prime Minister
Published by The Daily Telegraph (12th August, 2015) As voting ended on election night in May 2010, I went for a drink with an old friend of David […]
Africa / Aid / Europe / Immigration / Policy / Politics
No minister – our billions in foreign aid make it more likely migrants come here
Published by The Daily Mail (11th August, 2015) With every passing day, it becomes harder to have confidence in the Government’s flailing response to the tide of humanity […]