David Skelton: From Gateshead to ‘Ghosthead’, how our towns have declined

The Conservative Party could become the natural home for the urban working class if it revived these towns, David Skelton argues in his new book.

Virginia Crosbie: A Conservative victory depends on women voters

If we are to win a majority in Parliament at the next General Election it is critical that we win the women’s vote.

A Government of national unity is a non-starter – even if its seven prospective leaders take one day of the week each

Their real aim is to overturn the referendum result, wreck Brexit and destroy the Government we actually have.

Johnson has the inestimable advantage of a divided Opposition

Campbell’s public letter testifies to the depth of the split on the Left.

WATCH: McDonnell insists reports of a split with Corbyn are “rubbish”

“Jeremy and I go back 40 years,” declares the Shadow Chancellor, denying that he has been “frozen out.”

Today’s One Nation Conservatives are as dreary as Baldwin, not as exciting as Disraeli

History shows that One Nation Conservatism, once espoused by Powell and Macleod, need not be wet.

WATCH: Thrasher predicts Conservative losses of “around about 400” council seats

The leading psephologist anticipates that the Liberal Democrats will be the big beneficiaries of the local elections.

This fair hearing for Blair cannot rehabilitate him

Jon Davis and John Rentoul’s new book contains valuable material, but cannot efface Iraq, or the former Prime Minister’s self-righteousness.

Daniel Stafford: Recall petitions should be introduced for local councillors

This small measure may well go some way to restoring the faith of voters in democratic measures – not least in Oxford.

WATCH: Clarke says it is “far too soon” to tell how the Independent Group will develop

“Everything really depends on whether either of the two major parties, the Conservatives or the Labour Party, can put themselves back together.

Interview: Francois insists that the ERG wants the backstop ditched altogether – not tweaked

“In my personal opinion, Olly Robbins should go to the Tower, in which case he should arrive by river.”

Rebecca Lowe: Leave isn’t right-wing, Remain isn’t left-wing

Len McCluskey’s opposition to a second referendum is explicit, Seamus Milne’s Euroscepticism is unshakeable, and so on. The People’s Voters need Labour’s whipping power, but they won’t get it.

May’s Brexit deal helps to show that British politicians are more honourable and efficient than is claimed

There has been a tendency to suppose that because Britain’s power has declined in relative terms they must have become totally useless.

Corbyn has upped his rhetorical game – and he appears to be developing his political savvy a bit, too

His promises are unaffordable, and his spending plans are reckless, but he has started to offer retail policies.

Who does the Conservative Party belong to?

The task of choosing the final two runners must remain with MPs, who know them better than the members do.