The local elections revisited: an analysis of results in the South West

The long-awaited Liberal Democrat revival in their traditional strongholds finally transpired. But the independents also made big gains.

Justine Greening: The only way out of this mess is a referendum – with Remain and No Deal on the ballot paper too

This Brexit Parliament has rejected every Brexit option – hard or soft. The only people who can now decide are the public themselves.

Charlie Elphicke: It’s time to set the mortgage prisoners free

When selling these books the Treasury should make sure there are protections so that borrowers do not lose out.

Andy Street: Conservatives in Walsall have been rewarded for their practical approach

Success in politics is about delivering the goods. This should provide encouragement to the local associations who fared less well last week.

Jonathan Werran: Councils and business should talk about how local productivity can be improved

A deal has been agreed between West Sussex County Council and Gatwick Airport on improving community housing and infrastructure.

Paul Mercer: We are winning the battle of ideas in Charnwood

After 12 years in power, the Conservatives are still coming up with radical new policies. Bringing empty homes back into use is one priority.

James Frayne: What polling does and doesn’t tell us about voters and the environment

There are clearly dangers in accepting the terms set out by green activists – who essentially argue that we can only protect the environment by slowing growth.

Boys Smith takes over from Scruton, chairing the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission

Brokenshire feels the dismissal of Scruton “could have been handled differently”. But the work to ensure new homes are attractive will continue.

Steve Norris: Commonhold? Here’s a better idea – and one that doesn’t force management on occupiers

A Code of Practice, if given legal backing, should ensure that freeholders act as long-term responsible stewards of properties.

Charles Roberts: In East Cambridgeshire, we have frozen the Council Tax for the sixth year running

We also delivered Community Land Trusts, innovative community-led housing which helps local people who otherwise could not afford to enter the market.

Scruton – and the gulf between Conservatives in Parliament and conservatives outside it

The row over his sacking is a sign of a Party pulled in different directions by the way politics works – and by culture wars. Now a new competitor is knocking at the door.

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.

Scruton may have been ousted, but Tory councillors can still champion the cause of beauty

Proper visual preference surveys would help ensure attractive, new buildings – which people actually like.

Simon Cooke: Who owns England? Not, it would appear, big business after all.

A Guardian author suggesting otherwise is wrong. The picture we get is of mostly stable land ownership.

Rachel Wolf: Brexit agonies? Twitter pile-ons? Fanatical protesters? Put them in perspective. For all our troubles, we’re happier than ever.

Occasionally, though, we need to recognise warning signs – and they is in those areas where politicians’ control and the peoples’ attitudes truly overlap.