if you look at the odds for the next Conservative leader, there are no white men among the front runners. The top five comprise Kemi Badenoch, Penny Mordaunt, James Cleverly, Suella Braverman and Gillian Keegan.
The number of possibilities teaches us three lessons about politics today. Firstly, never to underestimate the role played by mere chance. Secondly, that this is not an age of great leaders who make their own luck. And, thirdly, that we need to choose more carefully in future.
The Shadow Climate Change Secretary has not been forgiven by some in the Labour Party for his conduct as its leader.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that his opponent is a lawyer, and told the House “there is nothing compassionate about tolerating illegal migration”.
Biden will be “warm towards the UK” if he wins the presidential election, but also “very realistic”, according to the former Foreign Secretary.
Plus: Will the 21 rebels get the whip back? And: The Tories need younger members, and so does everyone else.
Plus: my profound sense of unease at the withdrawal of the whip from 21 Conservative MPs.
Just asking.
The former Foreign Secretary and Labour leadership contender makes his pitch for the EEA.
David Miliband, Nicky Morgan and Nick Clegg are urging from the sidelines a breach of faith with the British people on Brexit.
The Conservatives ought to learn from him. Plus: Vote, vote, vote for Widdecombe. Fire and Fury is damp and limp. My teeth, oh, my teeth. And: My quest to enter Phillip Lee’s brain.
A decision like leaving the EU had billions of causes: some of those were set in motion by happenings centuries ago, but none pre-determine what happens today.
In that sense, his speech could easily have been given by a much more fitting figure for the Ditchley Foundation: Tony Blair.