Ministers are indeed attempting to restore the power to call an election to the Prime Minister, using the Royal Prerogative – and shield it from the courts.
The broad constitutional consensus Starmer cited is fragile, and based on part on a substantial minority of unionists falsifying their preferences.
Starmer attacks Johnson for breaking the “very broad consensus” on the constitution. The latter claims he meant the SNP’s record is the ‘disaster’.
What use a large majority if the Prime Minister cannot, or will not, prevail over an electorally insignificant lobby of progressive constitutionalists?
Finding a new Chief of Staff is only the start of the changes that Johnson needs to make his government work.
Johnson’s supporters still think the controversial provisions can be delivered if the Government holds its nerve. But the clock is ticking.
Also: another miserable week in Government for the SNP; the deep damage of the Irish Protocol grow clearer by the day; and more.
The First Minister’s absurd decree banning the sale of ‘non-essential’ goods spotlights the tension between devolved lockdowns and reserved finances.
In 2014 the rules were almost designed to maximise the independence vote. This time London must take the question much more seriously.
It worked so well the last ten times, after all. Also: Reckless defects to Abolish as controversy over Drakeford’s lockdown – and who’s paying – deepens.
The 70-strong Conservative Union Research Group wants to support the Government’s mission to strengthen the United Kingdom.
We estimate that streamlining the quango state could mean nearly 34,000 people off the taxpayer payroll, and a saving of £3.25 billion a year.
He is right to suspect value placed on the Union by some senior figures in this government. The Prime Minister must lead by example.
With a second lockdown looming, Sturgeon appears keen on a harmonised approach. This is welcome, but ministers should not drop their guard.
Labour administrations have undermined the constitutional settlement through misgovernment and pushing for more and yet more powers.