We are allowing others to create a narrative for us, and in the absence of an agreed poverty measure and subsequent strategy, we always will.
The first group of savings are about making the state more efficient, the second about creating a state focused on the core tasks of government.
The London Borough of Bromley, which I am proud to represent, is a case in point – because cases remain relatively low.
We could reduce or waive fees for applications that relate to business development. Virtual meetings can reduce delays.
Our survey identified 15,875 of them. Many of these could be redeveloped to provide new homes.
Our borough is still recovering from the Grenfell tragedy. We’re working hard to share information on how decisions are made.
Clumsy bans are not the answer – but local rules do need to be adapted to cope with Uber, Deliveroo and Airbnb.
Brexit poses a values and voting challenge for both the main parties. It may be even bigger for Labour than for the Conservatives.
Maybe it’s because I grew up next to the tower, or that I lost a member of my family in the fire, but next week’s anniversary of the tragedy has an added poignancy for me.
A powerful analysis by Andrew O’Hagan for the London Review of Books also contains serious criticisms of senior Ministers.
I want to commend every single one of you that stood for council or campaigned in any way in this poll.
How bad is the prognosis for urban Conservatism? Will there be a fightback outside of London? Will the Liberal Democrats show signs of life? Some potential clues.
We need to see where it is, root it out and thus show the leadership that has made Britain respected around the world.
Plus: May in trouble and Rudd in danger over Windrush. Corbyn stumbles. The pound rises. Local elections loom. And: the dignity of Neville Lawrence.
The capital isn’t a single political entity. Rather, it is still in some ways a Napoleon-of-Notting-Hill-style mass of small towns.