James Hellyer: In Devon, the Conservatives have worked out how to win

In by-elections where we put out leaflet after leaflet, but didn’t talk to anyone, we lost. Where we used survey canvassing, using a 0-10 model, we either won or advanced.

Stephen Greenhalgh: The truth about those water cannon

Johnson ordered them, at the request of the police. There was no indication from the Home Office that a licence would be refused.

Having seen off his critics, Scruton sets out the case for beauty

Buildings with different functions need to be intertwined. In beautiful cities, people tend to live and work side by side.

There are signs of modest progress in increasing the housing supply

Probably enough is being done to maintain the status quo. The problem is that for millions of people aiming for home ownership, that is pretty dire.

Council by-election results from yesterday

The Conservatives held a seat in Kent. Labour held seats in Bassetlaw and Stroud. The Lib Dems held a seat in Oxfordshire.

Tom Hunt: Ipswich needs a northern relief road – here is how we can win the campaign

My experience in Ely has shown me that it can be done – with tenacity, optimism and the broadest possible local backing.

Barry Wood: In Britain, the numbers opting to build a home is way behind other countries. But not in Cherwell.

Over ten years we are providing 1,900 new homes for Oxfordshire. They will be a wide range of properties. That is because we believe in choice.

Sally-Ann Hart: Becoming a magistrate is a fulfilling way to serve the community – but the number resigning is worrying

Mean gestures like cutting the coffee and biscuits in the retiring room make these committed volunteers feel unappreciated.

Susan Hall: More Londoners are being murdered, but Khan’s complacency continues

In February there was an extra £5 million for training new police officers, yet the recruitment drive didn’t start for a whole six months. There is no sense of urgency.

Phil Taylor: Fire deaths dropped 28 per cent last year – but don’t expect to hear that number being reported

The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a shocking exception to a trend of improvement in safety. Fire deaths are down below 250 a year, the second lowest on record.

Council by-election results from yesterday

The Conservatives held a seat in Torridge. Labour held a seat in Ealing and two seats in Harlow.

What Americans can teach us about local democracy

It should be easier to call local referendums in the UK. Politics is too important to be left to the politicians.

Greg Hammond: Freedom for disruptive technologies v the need for peace and quiet

Clumsy bans are not the answer – but local rules do need to be adapted to cope with Uber, Deliveroo and Airbnb.

Judy Terry: Slashing red tape would mean more Suffolk homes

Here is one firm’s account of how unnecessary costs and delay in the planning system holds them back. Timescales promised by councils are not honoured.

John Bald: School inspection is not a “little extra”

There is no evidence of funding cuts reducing school standards. But Ofsted does need enough staff to thoroughly assess the performance of classroom teachers.