Conservatism is better than liberalism – and Putin much, much worse than either
What he detests is less liberalism than democracy, and the obstacle it poses to Russian foreign policy objectives.
Fifteen years after I started writing about Johnson, one might almost think his time has come
Johnson’s first biographer confesses to feelings of bemusement, even incredulity, at the recent turn of events.
YouGov’s poll. Last week, it suggested that Johnson would fare better in a general election than Hunt. Now, his lead has been reversed.
A week ago, we reported that, were Brexit delivered, Johnson would perform better in such an election. Hunt has now overhauled him on the same measure.
Our Survey. Half of Tory members now want an electoral pact with the Brexit Party.
A tiny change in the return allows us to write that 50 per cent of Conservative Party members now want a pact.
Gauke. Uncorked today, corked tomorrow?
He is not wide of the election manifesto on which he stood, and should not be no-confidenced this evening. But there is a sting in the tail.
Our Survey. Next Tory Leader. Johnson 66 per cent, Hunt 30 per cent.
Hunt has gained far more ground than Johnson since last week – but the latter has double the Foreign Secretary’s vote share and a lead of over 30 points.
Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson dominates without being there
In a low blow, the Scottish Nationalists pretend to back Hunt.
Meanwhile, the Conservative poll rating is at under a quarter of the vote
The evidence suggests that what would most improve this terminal score is delivering Brexit – not a new leader.
Hurry hurry hurry Hunt hurry hurry hurry
He’s right to challenge Johnson vigorously before the ballot papers go out. We need as much debate as possible.
The GATT XXIV plan – and why Brexiteers should pay the EU the compliment of taking its negotiating stance seriously.
Leavers insist correctly that the EU is a political project first and foremost. Which helps to explain why this scheme is unlikely to fly.
In praise of Conservative Party members
“Spot on” policy questions to Johnson and Hunt in Birmingham yesterday showed Tory activists as they really are.
“Not even Johnson can stop Johnson”
The crucial audience that will test this claim is not, for the moment, voters as a whole – but the 150,000 or so Conservative Party members.
The identity of the new Prime Minister makes a difference to the polls. But Brexit is a far more dominant factor.
New polling from YouGov shows that leaving the EU is an electoral imperative for the Tories.
Johnson is set to face an early general election. His Cabinet must be ruthlessly shaped to fight it – on a No Deal platform.
Its members must be signed up to leaving on October 31. Here’s a rough draft of what the top team might look like.
Andrew Gimson’s leadership sketch: Hunt now threatens Johnson with grey on grey action
Hunt’s people insist he can surprise Johnson.