Shapps has spotted a once-in-a-lifetime chance to give Britain world-class railways

The Transport Secretary has set up a reform committee which is getting ready to use the pandemic to rout the Luddites in the rail unions.

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.

Richard Holden: This week’s spending review must show voters in Red Wall seats like mine that they were right to trust us

It’s vital that on education, policing and infrastructure, as much clarity is given as possible to departments as possible in terms of long-term funding.

Damian Green: Why a forced choice between a Brexity North and a Globalist South would be a false one – and damage our Party

The first of a ConHome series this week on Boris Johnson’s Reset Moment – and what should follow from it.

King of the North?

Rob Stark meets a bloody end in Game of Thrones. But he won every battle he fought first – and the Greater Manchester Mayor is following his example.

Interview: “Petrolhead” Milling denies that Elliot is really in charge at CCHQ, and says that she’s visited all 48 Red Wall seats

The co-Party Chairman says next year’s local elections will definitely go ahead, and won’t give a figure for Party membership.

Daniel Moylan: The decision to spurn York is a rebuff to Leave supporters and to the voters’ verdict – especially outside London

For too many legislators, biffing the Prime Minister for a short-term thrill is the acme of political maturity.

James Frayne: Our national political conversation is unrepresentative. Metro London is heard loud and clear. The provinces, scarcely at all.

They don’t talk about politics in daily life; don’t write to local or national newspapers; most importantly, they’re not politically active online.

Our survey. Almost 75 per cent of members predict a Conservative majority at the next General Election.

It marks a slight shift from January this year, in which a bullish 92 per cent expected a Tory majority.

Aphra Brandreth: Davey would take the Lib Dems backwards; Moran to the Left. But whichever direction, does it matter?

Until they are prepared to set out a future that is both workable and distinct, they are unlikely to have much of a voice in this Parliament or the next.

Damian Green: Here are our One Nation ideas for reviving post-Covid, post-Brexit Britain

In a world that changes as fast as this one, constant intellectual regeneration should be our goal. Our recovery papers are a contribution to that.

Amanda Milling: A year ago, Johnson became Prime Minister – and we have since laid strong foundations for our levelling-up agenda

We have delivered Brexit, brought in pay rises for millions of workers, shielded the economy from Covid-19, and are investing in vital infrastructure.

Peter Golds: The Electoral Commission has failed to take action against fake newspapers – or fake political parties

Polling organisations have strict guidelines as to questions and methodology. Why can’t we have rules to stop dodgy bar charts?

A year of Johnson as Prime Minister. As with Thatcher and Blair, his enemies can’t get the measure of him.

We’ve learned nothing at all about his outlook but quite a lot about his capacities during the last tumultuous twelve months.

Where is the Conservatives’ Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission?

The Court of Appeal’s judgement in the Begum case is a reminder of wider issues – and the pledge in last December’s manifesto.