Sarah Ingham: The NHS failed the nation during the pandemic. Awarding it the George Cross was a mistake.

Furthermore, by allowing the Queen to do this, the Government has dragged the monarch into the political murk.

After three by-elections and before tomorrow’s Covid announcement, here are five big challenges for Johnson

The further the act of leaving the EU recedes, the more 2019’s Tory voters will move on – as two recent by-elections reminded us.

Ian Michler: A crucial moment in the campaign against lions being bred for slaughter

I felt a rush of mixed emotions, including disbelief. But then came the realisation that Creecy’s announcement was a significant shift in thinking.

Defence and security. Having tilted towards the Indo-Pacific, we need a tilt back to Europe

Wallace has done well to win an exceptional defence settlement, but it may not be enough to fund all the Integrated Review’s ambitions.

Britain’s music industry, the EU, the UK – and an early entry for Frost’s inbox

He is well-placed to knock on the doors of individual member states, as the Government and the Union lock horns over free movement.

The fullest account yet written of Sunak the rising star

Tories will read the story of his ascent to high office with enormous pleasure – for it amounts to a vindication of the United Kingdom.

WATCH: The launch of Lord Ashcroft’s new biography of Rishi Sunak – Going for Broke

ConservativeHome’s proprietor is interviewed by Paul Goodman about the Chancellor’s rise, his story, his values – and his future.

Please join Lord Ashcroft this week for the launch of his biography of Rishi Sunak

Please register for your free ticket for Thursday evening’s event via the link in the article above.

This is a morning on which to celebrate unifying, popular, national leadership

We refer of course to Rishi Sunak. Please join Lord Ashcroft this Thursday for the launch of his biography of the Chancellor – link enclosed.

Henry Smith: Britain must show international leadership on wildlife and the environment

This isn’t just a green issue: cruel animal exploitation is seriously increasing the risk of future diseases jumping the species gap.

Tory MPs, Downing Street and the Treasury are poised to clash over plans to cut the army to 60,000. Who will win out?

One MP said this is more than enough for Islamists here, not nearly sufficient for Estonia and “for the Middle East, you’d want something in between”.

The Conservatives risk obsession with China to the exclusion of other threats, including Russia and Islamist extremism

As the great eye of the Conservative Party swivels its gaze towards the Far East, it’s in danger of missing other threats that are closer to home.

Wanted: an international solution to the plight of the Hong Kongers

Three million of them are unlikely to pitch up here, but government must plan for all eventualities – and support for its plan wouldn’t survive a mass influx.

WATCH: Lord Ashcroft on the breeding of lions in captivity for slaughter

ConservativeHome’s proprietor explains that his focus isn’t on trophy hunting per se – but rather on the raising of lions for killing.

China 1) Our survey. 85 per cent of Party members support the Government’s Hong Kong passport rights extension plan.

Given the sensitivity of the public to mass immigration, what’s the explanation for our panel’s return above?