The triple fence that Corbyn must vault during this evening’s TV debate
First, he must be seen to win it. Second, any such victory must cut through to voters. Third, it must not be eclipsed by a Johnson victory in further TV head-to-heads.
Vox pub: Don’t write the Conservatives off in Stirling – and therefore in Scotland more widely
In this marginal seat there is as yet no sign of an SNP surge, and they may just be losing support to Labour too.
Childcare policy should support all parents with children – not just those who work in the labour market
By putting money into the hands of parents, in effect, such help would help to drive the demand for childcare of all kinds, formal and informal.
The Prince, the poll and the people
The relative downsizing of election news is likely to freeze the current campaign in aspic. That ought to help the party which leads in the polls.
Why the scattered ex-Tory rebels pose little threat to Johnson’s campaign
Despite early talk, the Prime Minister’s foes have not adopted a common policy, strategy, or branding and are thus fighting forlorn individual battles.
The campaign, week two. “Small earthquake in Chile. Not many dead.”
Farage’s decision to stand down some Brexit Party candidates seems to have been the most impactful development of this election week.
In the new Tory immigration policy, less is more
The ‘tens of thousands’ pledge has been ditched, replaced by something more vague.
What Johnson said about an independent enquiry into Conservative anti-Muslim hatred
He didn’t dissent from Javid’s call for one. But we can’t find any evidence that he gave a specific commitment.
Vox pub: Cornish voters wonder whether they can trust the Prime Minister more than the Lib Dems
A fisherman from the Ajax, and other Leavers, want to know that Johnson will not let them down.
An open letter to Brexit Party candidates in marginal seats
We ask you to follow the logic of your leader’s position – and stand down in order both to deliver Brexit and avoid a Corbyn Government.
Farage’s decision sends a signal to Leave voters in marginal seats: vote Conservative
His shift on candidates now acknowledges that a hung Parliament would be a bad thing. It follows that pro-Brexit voters in tight contests should back the Tories.
How to halt the vexatious legal pursuit of our brave servicemen and women
Lord Caine has projected a plan that would allow proceedings into suspected Troubles-related offences only if certificates are issued by senior legal figures.
What would you want from the polls if you were Johnson?
Our answer is: a steady lead and a late wobble – to help get the vote out. He begins the second week on course.
Is the Conservative campaign about to run headlong into an NHS winter crisis?
In terms of the actual situation in hospitals, probably not, but that does not insulate it from the political danger of such a narrative should it take hold.
The campaign, week one. “Listen to me, we’re going to lose this f*cking election.”
Bad campaigns usually don’t matter, but the Party can’t risk one. Johnson needs Javid to help persuade voters that Corbyn would plunder their wallets.