Radical: While political leaders hide from confrontation, activists are winning the war on self-identification

In the weeks before recess, trans rights activists became more vocal in their efforts to stop Truss’s reform of the Gender Recognition Act.

Interview: James Kirkup on trans. And how campaigners have exploited MPs’ fear of being accused of transphobia.

And he asks: why did the Women and Equalities Select Committee choose an adviser open to the charge of being parti pris?

When think tanks think and when think tanks tank

Onward, FREER, the revitalised CPS. The Tory MPs involved in all these will have to take some risks if they’re to get off the groumd.

Spreadsheet Phil must become Storyteller Phil – if his Budget is to succeed where the Tory conference failed

The Chancellor needs to help deliver the sense of direction so strikingly absent in Manchester last month, and indeed since last June’s election.

Iain Dale: In defence of Craig Oliver

Plus: I upset Plaid. I recommend Matt Forde’s TV series. And: will a ticket to Norwich cost me £27.10 or £103.10?

Michael Orton: Tackling insecurity. Here’s a plan published from the Left but with solutions for the Right – and for everyone else

Our Five-plus ideas focus on good jobs, decent incomes, secure and affordable housing and the best start in life for all our children and grandchildren

From Reggie to Dessie: Anne Milton, Soames, gender fluidity…and poppers

Also: Britain Stranger in Europe. Leagues of Empire Loyalists in Kettering. Elliott and Coates in bars and bogs. Plus: Donald Tusk or is it Trump?

On immigration, Cameron must help May to hold the line

For all the Government’s failures, she was making a bold, brave argument. It may offend the zeitgeist within the M25, but it resonates in the bigger Britain.

McVey demonstrates that the Conservatives are also a party of the poor

The Employment Minister understands how vulnerable many people are, and that to find work they need help and encouragement, not just rugged individualism.

Iain Dale: The real secret of party fund-raising – politicians hate donors

Plus: Up yours, Amazon. Secrets of Thanet South. Up yours, Lutfur. Plus: The madness of sacking Graeme Archer. And: Is Andy Murray Scottish, after all?