Exclusive: First Conservative candidate shortlists revealed
Shortlists for Enfield North, Bishop Auckland, Darlington, York Central, Tynemouth, Hyndburn and Great Grimsby, and partial shortlists for Tatton and Chelmsford.
Scottish Tory candidate selections proceed apace using fast-track rules
John Lamont selected to fight Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, as a poll puts Davidson’s team on course to win as many as 12 seats.
Sir Eric Pickles is retiring as an MP
As the council taxpayer’s friend he transformed municipal culture.
Exclusive: May looks to target seats with Labour majorities of over 8,000 votes
If successful, such a goal could deliver a parliamentary majority of around 150.
Send Stuart to the Lords, and Carswell to…Downing Street
This election follows a referendum that strained, and in some cases shattered, party loyalties. The Prime Minister ought now to be building her own big tent.
Should Cameron campaign for the Conservatives in the coming election?
Views, please.
Exclusive: CCHQ will shortlist candidates for target seats without even inviting applications
Most had expected at least a short window to apply – instead, though, CCHQ will control the process centrally.
By-election rules will apply to selections – including the direct imposition of candidates in non-target seats
The move will make for swift selections, but risks annoying those associations which will lose the power even to pick from a shortlist.
The Commons votes for a general election by 522 votes to 13
Nine Labour MPs, three independents and an SDLP MP voted against holding one.
Osborne to stand down as the MP for Tatton
He will carry on “fighting for that Britain I love” as editor of the Evening Standard.
This election will give May a chance to create a Parliamentary Party in her own image
Simon Burns (pictured left with mystery friend) is retiring. Other MPs will go too – giving Downing Street & CCHQ an unprecedented opportunity to influence selections.
No action on Mercer’s election expenses, which accidentally omitted £80 of wooden stakes and printing
It’s a reminder that the law requires rather more than a Twitter hashtag campaign as proof of wrongdoing.
“I am writing to give effect to the democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom.” The full text of May’s letter moving Article 50.
“The Government of the United Kingdom wants to agree a deep and special partnership between the UK and the EU.”
Live Blurrt tracker of PMQs sentiment
Watch how Twitter users are rating May and Corbyn’s performances.
May’s Article 50 statement: “Now that the decision has been made to leave the EU, it is time to come together.”
“It is my fierce determination to get the right deal for every single person in this country.”