ConHome’s Cabinet League Table. Everyone’s rating is down – and half of the top table is now in negative territory. Worst ever results.
Not for the faint-hearted. Contains intense violence, blood and gore, strong language and Philip Hammond.
The legal advice row – and how the tensions between a Leave result, Remain MPs and weak government is straining our conventions.
The unwritten rules usually apply. The legislature doesn’t make foolish demands. And the executive bows to the legislature. But these are not normal times.
Johnson. Distrusted by Conservative MPs. Clung to by Party members. He extends his lead in our Next Tory Leader survey.
It may be that the former Foreign Secretary has become a kind of comfort blanket in bewilderingly unpredictable times.
Our survey. The proportion of Party members who want May out now hits over half for the first time.
This is a lamentable background against which to campaign for the deal. If the survey is right, most members have faith in neither it nor her.
Our survey. Almost seven in ten Party members say that Conservative MPs should vote against May’s deal.
And roughly a third believe that they should back it. That’s a platform for the Prime Minister to build on – but she has little time left in which to change hearts and minds.
A day to honour George Herbert Walker Bush
This article was originally published on the anniversary of the former President’s election. We re-issue it today as news comes of his death.
“Over 100 Conservative MPs will rebel over May’s deal”. Are we being played?
Ponder the possible consequences of the Government losing the meaningful vote by less than expected. Disaster would be spun as triumph.
Hath not a Muslim eyes?
The Government should adopt a working definition of anti-Muslim prejudice and hatred. But it must be based on objective criteria, overseen by people we elect.
Letter to Julian Smith from J.Alfred Prufrock MP
A suggestion to build further support for the Prime Minister’s deal among colleagues, based on the auctions conducted each year at the Black and White Ball.
May v Stuart. Now that would be a proper Brexit TV debate.
It would be a good match. Former Remainer v the former Chair of Vote Leave. No gender war element, either. How about it, Downing Street?
B.O.Bs v P.A.Ms
It’s the Bored of Brexits versus People against May, as she seeks to snoreathon her way to victory – by persuading MPs that voters have simply had enough.
Gibraltar rocked?
The key question arising from the diplomatic back-and-forth is whether Spain would be prepared to veto a future trade deal.
Keep your eyes fixed on the Withdrawal Agreement, which would be backed by law. Not on this Political Declaration. Which wouldn’t.
A staple of stagecraft magic is misdirection. While his audience is gawping at one thing, the magician is swiftly doing another. So it may be now.
Yesterday in the Commons. More opponents than supporters of the Prime Minister’s deal on the Conservative backbenchers.
That said, there was more backing for her from her party than some of today’s headlines suggest.
May says Brexit may be “somehow delayed”. How so, if it can’t be without her consent – that’s to say, the Government’s?
It is very hard to see how the Commons could stop a no deal Brexit without forcing a general election. Assuming the Prime Minister keeps her word.