How to save the House of Lords from the Opposition

Labour and Liberal Democrat peers are tearing up conventions for partisan advantage – so let us set those vital traditions in law.

EVEL shows how we can reform on a small majority

It could easily have been dropped: that it has passed, albeit in modified form, is good news for those who believe in our more radical manifesto promises.

Henry Hill: First Minister picks fight with Crabb on Wales Bill

Also: Third SNP MP faces scrutiny over business dealings; DUP return to Northern Ireland Executive; abortion row divides separatists; and more.

EVEL has slipped off the radar, but the Government hasn’t solved it

The Procedure Committee’s interim report suggests that the Government will have a fight on its hands to defend its vision for English Votes.

SpAd code of conduct revised to permit what it didn’t permit but Conservative officials claimed it did permit

The new rules clarify when and how special advisers can engage in political activity, but come too late for those needlessly punished for the old system’s shortcomings.

Storm clouds gather over the SNP conference

The party’s position looks incomparably strong, but the conditions necessary to sustain its current coalition increasingly appear temporary.

Henry Hill: SNP face investigation into referendum spending

Also: Nationalists bow out of EU ‘In’ campaign; Labour AM attacks government culture in Cardiff; DUP might return to NI Executive; and more.

Why Hunt might be wary of his sugar tax report

The Government has a sound case against such a regressive measure, but its accommodation of the public health lobby has left it without space to make it properly.

Tories circle as Watson starts to fail the smell test

One of the Labour deputy’s key sources on Brittan claims to have been “right up for witch-hunts” against Conservatives.

Fringe Report: Not what the naysayers expected – a civil discussion about Europe

Steve Baker MP said Britain needs “a common market with the world”.

Henry Hill: SNP brace for by-election in Edinburgh

Also: Nationalists under fire over second MP; Cameron increases pressure for Ulster deal; Crabb claims slim chance of reaching Welsh devolution agreement; and more.

Contrasting the conferences will not flatter Corbyn

Labour’s leader had a terrible speech and a chaotic spat over Trident. Left-wingers seeking silver linings won’t find them in the champagne cooler.

Henry Hill: Police probe SNP MP’s property dealings

Also: Jones engulfed by transparency row; SDLP face leadership challenge; Carmichael faces election court; and UKIP brace for Welsh success.

Complacent Tories must not forget the Spending Review

The chaos theatre of Corbyn’s leadership may be making all the headlines now, but this autumn the Government will face fights over cuts.

McDonnell’s speech suggests the Labour establishment are winning

Corbyn has retreated on NATO and the EU, been slapped down on Trident, and now his Shadow Chancellor has delivered a speech the old leadership could have written.