Norman replaces Johnson at Transport
While Andrew Jones returns as an Under-Secretary to the department from which he was removed as an Under-Secretary.
“The UK joined as one nation and must leave on that basis.” The DUP’s letter to May – full text
“Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking.”
Operation Gobble. May promotes Leavers within the Government…with an eye on a coming Brexit vote.
Meanwhile, the Government has quietly been appointing more trade emissaries during the last few months.
“We need a radical shift in the NHS, from a hospital service for the ill, to a service to keep us healthy.” – Hancock’s speech, full text
“Over just the last year, emergency admissions at A&E have increased by 6.6 per cent. This rate of growth of demand is simply unsustainable.”
Matthew Vickers selected for Stockton South
The party has selected a local candidate to win back what was one of only a few Conservative footholds in the North East.
“Under this Conservative Government austerity is coming to an end – but discipline will remain.” – Hammond’s Budget speech, full text
“Now we have reached a defining moment on this, long, hard journey. Opening a new chapter in our country’s economic history.”
Miriam Cates selected for Penistone & Stocksbridge
With strong local connections and potentially years to campaign, she likely has a strong chance of overturning Labour’s narrow majority.
New candidates selected: Daly in Bury North, Largan in High Peak
Two more associations in target seats, both won from Labour in 2010 only to be lost again last year, have chosen their would-be MPs.
Paul Bristow selected for Peterborough
He won out over Cllr Helen Harrison and Clarence Mitchell. The Labour majority is 607, and the possibility of a by-election looms.
Fox. Go for the Export Dividend. “Based on a ten per cent uplift in exports, the budget deficit could reduce by some £20 billion.” His trade speech: full text.
He praises a new IEA analysis.
Selection news: Peterborough shortlist revealed, and the first London seats open for candidate applications
Plus: the postponed selection processes in Darlington and Wirral West have been restarted. And: Ryan Henson selected in Bedford.
Candidate selection news: Shortlists for Bedford and Bury North
Updated, plus: the results of four recent contests in target seats – Bishop Auckland, Bristol North West, Crewe and Nantwich, and Ipswich.
Davis writes to Conservative MPs, warning of the “dire” electoral consequences of Chequers
“We should…switch to Canada +++ and deliver an outcome that is good for the UK, acceptable to Parliament, and negotiable with Brussels.”
Penny Mordaunt: “The more we do, the more we trade, and the less demand there will then be for aid.” Her development speech: full text.
Traditional donor governments gave a tiny fraction of the total sum needed last year. So how do we close that gap? The private sector has to be part of the answer.
“I passionately believe that our best days lie ahead of us.” The Prime Minister’s Conference speech, full text.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in our history. It falls to our party to lead our country through it.”