James Frayne: If we don’t have a union with Scotland, it won’t be the end of the world for the English

From Brexit, to the vaccine rollout, to trade, to Hong Kong, Johnson has plenty of good stories to tell – if not blown off course by Scotland.

The centre ground. What it means. And what it doesn’t.

It shouldn’t need stating, but clearly does, that the spectrum as we think of it has zero resonance with the public.

James Frayne: Ministers must put levelling up at the heart of the football review

It’s already about more than narrow questions of governance – and should expand to cover the role clubs play in local communities.

James Frayne: What the polls tell us about the health of the Monarchy

Despite the recent bad press, the overall numbers suggest the institution is probably here to stay.

James Frayne: Four lessons for industry and government from the monstering of AstraZeneca

To make ‘global Britain’ work, ministers will need to do more to defend British companies against politically-motivated attacks.

James Frayne: How will the aftermath of Clapham Common affect the public standing of the police?

I don’t think it will lead to a serious drop in support – but officers will likely not have the same benefit of the doubt after the next such incident.

James Frayne: Raise tax, and expect your competence and values to be questioned

It’s a dangerous game, relying solely on polling to judge the state of public opinion: it never tells the full story.

James Frayne: The 0.7 per cent. Polling suggests that the Tory rebels should aim to bring it back later – not save it now.

The danger for them of not striking a deal now is that a vote on bringing the target back will be an even harder battle to win later.

James Frayne: A clear majority of people think the police do a good job – but want them to be tougher enforcing lockdown

Polls very strongly suggest the public are much more irritated with the police not enforcing basic rules with greater severity.

James Frayne: Sunak must resist those calling for radical action on tax

This is a good moment for targeted, well-justified interventions, but creating lots of new losers through sweeping hikes would be insane.

James Frayne: Migration control, NHS spending, boosting growth – and a reworked foreign policy. Four post-Brexit priorities for Johnson.

The Prime Minister’s Leave campaign promised that things would be better when we left the EU. So he must therefore prove it.

James Frayne: Six ways of boosting local pride and identity

The Government can do a lot in a short space of time. A key question should be: how do we make these towns nicer places to live?

James Frayne: So how should the Conservatives talk with working class voters about the environment?

There is no reason a green agenda can’t be a winner in the Red Wall, but not if it’s just the usual bundle of middle-class concerns.

James Frayne: Perhaps the Conservatives should simply revert to being southern and posh

If they can’t make a real impact on the lives of working class voters in provincial seats, Johnson will meet the same electoral fate as Trump.

James Frayne: Expect people to prepare for minor civil disobedience at Christmas

There will be real anger about the prospect of a digital winter break – unless there’s a very serious surge in deaths.