EXCLUSIVE: Conservative Party membership has risen to 149,800 – up 11.7 per cent

Plus: Our conference survey shows members are less concerned about conference costs, but more disillusioned with the leadership.

There should be a full open primary to pick the Conservative candidate in Clacton

Yes, it would be amusing – but it would also be the right thing to do, for the by-election battle and our party’s future.

Conservative membership is up one per cent – not down 10 per cent

However, the number who pay a sub is less important than the number who campaign or attend events.

The number of full-time Conservative members registered with the Electoral Commission for last year is 43,635

Last year, it was roughly 59,000 – but one should be very wary of concluding that there has therefore been a fall in the real figure (which will be much higher).

The atom bomb option of all women shortlists

There are arguments for threatening the move. But there are none for actually deploying it.

James Cleverly MLA: What the Conservative Party can learn from Candy Crush

Political parties and online computer games are not the same, but one sector is seeing massive year on year growth and the other, quite frankly, isn’t.

Matthew Sinclair: Internal party democracy is the best response to UKIP’s rise – not abolishing First Past the Post

Primaries would mean people could fight for their views within their party, rather than leaving to form another.

Post Euro-elections fightback: Rebuild a grassroots Conservative Party

People don’t talk about Eastleigh much – but it should loom large in our minds.

The Ten Creators of UKIP

From illiberal liberals to the Daily Express, Nigel Farage to David Cameron, here are the factors that delivered UKIP’s success.

The facts and the fears of giving MPs and members the power to veto a 2015 coalition deal

Our ConHome surveys illuminate the realities of a more democratic approach.

Dial in tonight for a live election conference call with the Prime Minister

After a recent trial, CCHQ are using a new tactic imported from the US.

Anne Jenkin & Brooks Newmark MP: The Party needs more women candidates – and here’s how to get them

Unless there is a significant increase in women MPs at the 2015 general election, we will need to look at this issue in detail, and all options should be on the table.

Nick Denys: Our members should decide entry into a second coalition

The Party as a whole should have a say in whether what is on offer is acceptable, if that happens.

Tory Tea Party? War on Women? Rubbish – the deselections are down to a welcome grassroots revival

Party members are more willing to exercise their rights – and we will get better MPs as a result.

Anne McIntosh MP deselected by Thirsk and Malton Conservatives

The MP intends to fight on – perhaps reapplying, perhaps standing against the new Tory candidate.