Our survey. Almost three in five party members back Johnson’s decision about Cummings.
That’s a comfortable majority. But almost three in ten do not – a significant minority. Thirteen per cent don’t know.
Hannan becomes the Conservative Party’s International Ambassador
As an old European Conservatives and Reformists hand, our columnist has centre-right connections in the EU, Europe, America – and worldwide.
Trust
Many of those who voted with the Government yesterday fear that Johnson is simply making it up as he goes along.
Today’s Covid tiers vote. The Government is treating Conservative MPs like fools.
If Tory backbenchers feel like firing a shot across the Government’s bows this afternoon, we can scarcely blame them.
Ending rough sleeping is for all twelve months – not just for Christmas
It can be done, but only by putting the needs of rough sleepers first. Which depends upon support from voters.
How our call for a cost-benefit analysis is contributing to Johnson’s Covid climbdown on lockdowns and tiers
We knew that even the prospect of one would widen and deepen debate on Coronavirus policy – which was essential.
The conditions under which Conservative MPs should back the tiering plan next week
First, regular Parliamentary votes on it, not just Ministerial reviews. Second, a full cost-benefit analysis published in good time.
Dan Rosenfield is Johnson’s new Chief of Staff. That’s the admin sorted (we hope). But what about the politics?
That he seems to have no discernable political views whatsoever is clearly one of the reasons why Johnson wants him.
Sunak opts to suck it and see
The OBR’s horrid forecasts of an output implosion and soaring unemployment will do nothing to quell Tory resistance to tougher Covid tiers.
There is more at stake in any push to cut the 0.7 per cent target than the future of aid policy
Resile from last year’s manifesto once and there’s no reason not to again. That has implications for tax policy – and much else.
Nothing to see here – move along? Covid, procurement, appointments and cronyism claims
It’s heads you lose, tails you lose for Ministers and civil servants. Nonetheless, the eventual inquiry must inevitably look at “lessons to be learned”.
Mak is co-Chair of the new Conservative Party Policy Board
O’Brien has arrived to find the MP for Havant already in place, who though not a former think tank head is no policy slouch.
Go for growth and cross your fingers
That’s the least bad course for the Chancellor to take on Wednesday. But it’s a gamble that could go horribly wrong.
Priti Patel v The Thing
Sure, she’s in breach of the Ministerial Code – and so is every member of every Cabinet who has served since it was introduced.
The Coronavirus – and the mysterious affair of the Treasury’s economic analysis
The quest of Mel Stride and the Treasury Select Committee for sight of its elusive quarry contines.