The BBC's news and political coverage occasions much comment from ConHome readers, generally from a less-than-positive perspective. Personally I am not of the school of thought that the BBC is a pro-Labour conspiracy; I think a fairer criticism is that something of a statist mentality collectively exists inside the corporation – which is not entirely […]
We know there have to be cuts across the public sector and clearly the relevant authorities are going to be seeking to minimise the impact on frontline services. University academics are often among the first to threaten strikes over funding in their jurisdiction, with student "activists" being similarly quick to riotprotest. But are all Higher […]
As we learned from the video clip I posted earlier, Sharon Shoesmith, the former director of children's services at Haringey today saw the Court of Appeal rule that she was unlawfully sacked in 2008 over the Baby P tragedy, which occurred on her watch. Michael Gove, now Education Secretary, is set to appeal against the […]
By Jonathan Isaby With the Queen having just turned 85, this week's Spectator contains tributes to a number of the country's "most inspiring and influential over-80s". Peter Hoskin reproduced two of the political tributes on Coffee House yesterday: David Cameron pays tribute to Margaret Thatcher, whilst Nick Clegg writes in praise of Shirley Williams. Williams, […]
By Jonathan Isaby As Royal Wedding fever increases by the day, the Daily Telegraph splashes this morning on the story that Nick Clegg is "actively pursuing" a plan to alter the law relating to Royal succession which currently gives a Monarch's younger son precedence over an elder daughter. At present, the rules of male primogeniture […]
By Jonathan Isaby Yesterday saw the official launch of the Yes to AV campaign, fronted by comedian Eddie Izzard (because, lest we forget, the country's two leading Yes campaigners, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg refuse to share a platform with each other). I'll put to one side the fact that celebrity endorsements ought to be […]
Jonathan Isaby reviews Bercow: Rowdy Living in the Tory Party by Bobby Friedman, which is published on April 14th by Gibson Square books at £17.99. If you were hoping that this first, unauthorised biography of the Speaker of the House of Commons would be full of shocking, never-before-told revelations from his past, I fear you […]
Nick Clegg already has quite a lot on his plate, what with activists likely to pass unhelpful motions (£) at their spring conference this weekend and angry students reportedly threatening to kidnap him. But to add to his woes, his members – once the past masters at by-election campaigns – are raising serious questions about […]
By Jonathan Isaby Yesterday afternoon Tim reflected on Conservative politicians' looks. Today I highlight their sartorial choices. GQ magazine has just issued its annual list of the 50 Best Dressed men in Britain and there is only one politician who makes the cut – David Cameron himself. Glamour editor Jo Elvin says of the Prime […]
As most readers will know, I have long been a friend and supporter of the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, and have generally sprung to his defence when his detractors have carped and criticised. So it is somewhat unusual for the words "John Bercow was wrong" to pass my lips, but today I have cause to […]