Instability versus inflexibility – and the case for changing the Conservative leadership challenge rules

The easiest course for 1922 Executive Committtee members to take is to put a decision off. Here’s why that should be avoided.

Edward Davies: The next Conservative leader must make social justice their top priority

Government should be passionate about self-reliance, but we must also recognise the transformative power of an enabling state.

Nicky Morgan: Why the Northern Ireland backstop need not be permanent – and leave no hard border when it ends

The EU has already opened the door to starting discussions about such alternative arrangements the minute that the Withdrawal Agreement is approved.

David Macphee: The Conservatives don’t just need new leadership. They need – and the country requires – an election.

Blaming the system for our predicament is at best a cop-out, and worst an attempt to distract from the fact that MPs are abrogating their responsibility.

Our survey. Three out of five Party members will vote for the Brexit Party in European elections.

This finding is extraordinary, but there are at least four reasons why it could be on the money – and is a reliable guide to the trend.

Our survey. A record total of nearly eight out of ten Party members say that May should announce now that she will resign.

The voluntary Party has lost confidence in the Prime Minister. Is anyone listening around the Cabinet table?

Daniel Hannan: Brexit. Vote Conservative in the European elections to help us deliver it – and finish the job.

I have spent 30 years working to restore our national independence. I’m not prepared to drop out now, not when we are so close to success.

Anger

Amidst verbal and actual violence, it is tempting to seek to shut down, say, Farage or Lammy altogether. But politics without anger would be impossible – and undesirable.

Should Conservative MPs and members vote for the Party in the European elections (if they happen)?

The polling and leadership election crisis stories raises three questions for both to ponder.

Polls, Brexit postponed – and the slump of the Conservative vote

We seem to be heading back towards where British politics was between 2005 and 2015: in other words, towards more of a three or four or perhaps more party system.

Iain Dale: Why I believe that the October deadline leaves no time for a second referendum

Plus: I’m still backing Brexit. The Independent Group’s Tory targets. And: it’s a disgrace that public money is being spent on the European elections.

Dan Boucher: Is it time for a Leadsom Convention?

Our system needs a means of ensuring that a Remain Parliament honours a Leave referendum – and that this principle is applied more broadly.

Trick or treat? The Halloween extension.

At first glance, it looks like just about the worst timetable for achieving Brexit – which must now be seriously in doubt.

“Such an extension should last…no longer than 31 October 2019.” The EU’s statement. Link to text.

“The European Council takes note of the commitment by the United Kingdom to act in a constructive and responsible manner throughout.”

David Shiels: European Parliamentary elections would pose problems for the main parties. But especially for the Conservatives.

New polling for Open Europe shows that the Tories have special reason to be wary of this consequence of a long extension.