Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: The Chancellor brings a mysterious poetry to his numbers
He sought to unite the nation in a moral mission, “a common endeavour”, and to leave Labour with nothing to say.
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.
The new Covid-19 vaccines: what we know so far
The last month has seen unprecedented scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development. Here’s a round up of the ones the Government has bought.
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”.
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 Ministerial Code is a paper tiger – Johnson is responsible for who serves in his Government
The guidelines cover a broad range of issues and admit breaches both great and small. They are not a substitute for the Prime Minister’s judgement.
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.
The wind of Biden’s change is blowing through Johnson’s Government
America’s result is having knock-on effects in Downing Street: see yesterday’s green speech and today’s defence news.
The proposed foreign aid cut. Many Tories are against it. But Sunak has limited options as he tries to salvage the economy.
Reports suggest the Government is planning to reduce spending from 0.7 per cent of gross national income to 0.5 per cent.
Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: The Commons has lost its power to hold the absent Johnson to account
Today’s proceedings were about as watchable as a game of cricket where the batsman does not actually have to face the bowling in person.
If anyone can make this new Conservative policy role work well, it’s O’Brien
Our columnist’s appointment is a signal that the Red Wall will not be forgotten, a recognition of talent – and the shutting- up of a nuisance.
The Government is up against the clock to justify its next set of restrictions – as the Covid Recovery Group grows
Even if the Government ends lockdown on December 2, it will be under pressure to prove why some areas should be under a tiered system.
Red Wall, go green?
Newly-elected Tory MPs in the Midlands and North are on board for an environmental pitch that’s focused on jobs.
Why Cummings’ departure creates new problems for Johnson’s Brexit strategy
The former Chief Adviser has had little to do with the negotiation recently, but his leaving has knock-on effects on it. Here’s why.