Andrew Gimson’s leadership sketch: Conventional forces crush the Stewart rebellion
But a schoolboy was delighted to meet Theresa May.
Yesterday evening’s TV debate. Johnson came, he spoke, he survived. And that’s what counts.
Dire format, weak chairing, interruptions, baffled viewers, total confusion – job done (for the front-runner, anyway).
Our latest Next Tory Leader survey. Johnson hits 60 per cent. Three in five activists want him.
The order of runners-up remains unchanged as today’s third ballot looms: Stewart, Gove, Hunt, Javid.
Javid’s supporters may now hold the key
He could survive tomorrow’s ballot. If he doesn’t, his supporters will have to ask themselves what sort of final they want.
Andrew Gimson’s leadership sketch: the Stewart rebellion takes off
Stewart versus Johnson is, like Gladstone versus Disraeli, a clash of opposites, and a wonderful sight for racegoers.
Next Tory Leader run-offs. Johnson tops them, Javid improves his position – and Stewart is bottom.
The International Development Secretary is a marmite candidate among Party members: you love him or you loathe him.
Our latest Next Tory Leader survey. Stewart consolidates at second – but almost 40 points behind Johnson, who keeps over half the vote.
A big question today for Conservative MPs is: what sort of final stage, when the contest goes to the members, do they want?
If the Tories are serious about electoral fraud, they’ll take action on postal votes
It’s no good talking tough on ID schemes alone when in-person impersonation is such a small part of the problem.
And the winner of the Channel 4 Conservative leadership debate was…
The Stop Johnson candidate with the most charisma, Stewart, is also the Stop Johnson candidate who is worst placed.
In which J.Alfred Prufrock MP is spoken to by Gavin Williamson
Our hero is lobbied by the teams of four of the candidates – and by the fifth in person…
Stewart talks to voters in Poplar: “There is a potential for unlocking a Disraeli Young England conservatism”
The candidate demonstrates his strong appeal to floating voters, sees some disgracefully filthy toilets, and witnesses the aftermath of a murder.
Why a brief membership stage of this leadership contest is right for the country and the Conservatives
It would suit neither Johnson nor anyone else for the front-runners not be briefly but rigorously tested by activsts and the media.
The TV Tory leadership debates are an opportunity for candidates and the Party – not simply a risk
We don’t expect them to be easy for any candidate. But since when was becoming Prime Minister meant to be easy?
Johnson as Ulysses. After his many shipwrecks, bloopers and scrapes, Ithaca finally looms into view.
The only other candidate with momentum is Stewart – and it is almost impossible to see where he can glean the votes he needs.
Andrew Gimson’s leadership sketch: A tremendously enjoyable election for backbenchers
But no fun at all for May and Hammond.