Mercer says he opposes Chequers because his voters do – and that May can’t lead the Conservatives into the next election

A central theme of the author and former army officer is: “I can’t over-exaggerate how different London is to the rest of the country.”

Penny Mordaunt: The twelve new rules of politics

Ideas and vision are necessary, but they are not sufficient. People need to see results and to achieve them they need to take part.

Don Porter: There is a huge opportunity for the Conservative vote to sky-rocket if we stay true to the referendum result

Over third of Conservative Voice’s members are mulling voting UKIP next time in response to Chequers.

Daniel Hannan: It should be obvious, not controversial, to seek a deep friendship with our EU neighbours

In the third piece in our mini-series evaluating the EEA, our columnist wonders how both sides managed to become so hostile to moderate concepts.

Leavers must not make the mistake of promising an end to boom and bust

The gloomy predictions of the Remain campaign proved ludicrously mistaken, but that does not mean there will never again be bad economic news.

Priti Patel: We must chuck Chequers, or disillusioned voters will reject mainstream politics

Failing to take back control would be to ignore the largest democratic vote in British history. The consequences would be dire.

The arguments for and against Brexit are presented with an insulting show of certainty

Europe has no Madisons to make the case for federalism, while the Leavers patronise us by pretending that leaving is without risk.

Like the Scots, the Welsh Conservatives face a once-in-a-generation strategic opportunity

Tacking towards the devocrat consensus and positioning for a pact with Plaid seems to be the preferred option, but it looks like a tactical cul-de-sac.

Phillip Lee: Dear Sophie – don’t quit the Conservative Party, stay and fight against Brextremism

The former Justice Minister writes an open letter to a young activist, urging her to reconsider her defection to the Liberal Democrats.

Henry Hill: DUP leadership stands by Robinson as row over border poll deepens

Also: Welsh Labour MP urged to resign equalities brief over ‘homophobic bullying’ allegations; Electoral Commission drop probe into DUP; and more.

James Frayne: Those pressing for a second referendum have no idea of the damage it would do

Disillusionment, anger, reduced turnout, a body blow to future social reform, and a possible boost to extremists are all potential consequences.

Nicky Morgan: This long, hot summer of political discontent

Seven points to reflect on during the coming weeks, including this: the centre ground of British politics is vacant.

The campaign for a second referendum isn’t really a campaign for a second referendum

It’s real aim is to create the circumstances in which Brexit can be halted – without the all-but-impossible holding of a pre-March 29 plebiscite.

Darren Grimes: Help me to challenge the Electoral Commission’s ruling

I put my head above the parapet and campaigned for Brexit – the decision to penalise me appears vindictive, and threatens to harm our participatory democracy.

Chloe Westley: There must be no compromise on ending free movement

Implementing a fair and controlled skills-based immigration system would be a huge win for the Government – and deliver on a key pledge of the Brexit campaign.