Published by The Observer (12th April, 2015) The first time I met David Cameron, then a rising star of the Conservatives, I was left with two abiding impressions. First, […]
Politics
There is nothing funny about Farage
Published by The Independent (6th April, 2015) For a moment, I thought it was shocking honesty from Nigel Farage. ‘I’m really very posh,’ he told the Sunday Times […]
Politics
Sturgeon spoke her mind – unlike the Labour leader
Published by The Daily Telegraph (3rd April, 2014) There were no real losers in last night’s leaders’ debate, which was surprisingly enjoyable despite looking at times like a […]
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, […]
Politics
Campaign starts with two main parties trapped in comfort zones
Published by The Independent (30 March, 2015) The phoney war is over. Today, the general election campaign finally begins. David Cameron is expected to drive to Buckingham Palace […]
Economics / Politics
Are the Tories just defending crony capitalism?
Published by The Guardian (10th February, 2015) The embryonic general election campaign has been dominated by big business and its hostility to Labour. Attacks from former friends and […]
Politics
A Tory-Labour unity coalition may be the only way forward
Published by The Guardian (3rd January, 2014) In the 1929 general election, Labour won 37% of the vote and became the biggest party in the House of Commons, […]
Politics
Miliband has failed to follow the first rule of opposition
Published by The Independent (10th November, 2014) There is a certain choreography parties perform when a leader is in trouble. First they deny any divisions even as rumbling concerns […]
Politics
An earthquake called Ukip hits Britain
Published by The Wall Street Journal (17th October, 2014) It is curious to think that the modest seaside resort of Clacton might end up a landmark in British […]
Politics
Last-minute deals turn the spotlight on Westminster
Published by The Financial Times (19th September, 2014) So the most thrilling political debate in recent British history is over, and the divisive force of nationalism has been […]
Europe / France / Politics
Look to France for a vision of life under Miliband
Published by The Guardian (27th August, 2014) History never tires of repeating itself. More than three decades ago Socialists won power in France with promises to revive the […]
Politics
There is an alternative to murky donations from the super-rich
Published by The Guardian (26th July, 2014) The funding of political parties has long been a weeping sore in the British body politic, but it is turning increasingly […]