James Palmer: Devolving adult education is helping to give young people the skills that they need

The previously centralised direction of spending was unimaginative and bureaucratic. Funding went into leisure courses.

WATCH: Could a Tory/Brexit Party pact happen? “Of course it could”, replies Claire Fox

She notes it would be “complicated” – “In the Peterborough by-election…the Conservative Party could have stood aside and given the Brexit Party a clear ride.”

Andrew Green: Debating immigration has been marginal to this leadership election. That should change.

It is the moment to decide whether to go for a leader who is prepared to tackle immigration, or for one who has failed to heed the public’s calls to reduce it.

Johnson. Not the Prime Minister we deserve. But the Prime Minister we need right now.

A general election is rolling down the tracks. And he is the man best placed to see off Corbyn and Farage.

Labour cling on in Peterborough

A Brexit Party win would have boosted Johnson’s campaign. This victory for Corbyn’s party may also do – though perhaps not quite to the same degree.

Meanwhile, in Peterborough, Farage’s party advances and a Johnson premiership looms – as May is steered towards the exit door

Almost all the Leavers said they will vote for the Brexit Party in the European elections today – but even this information was not volunteered.

The Australian Liberals know who their target voters are. The Conservatives don’t seem to have a clue.

Amidst the gathering leadership election debate, there is a lack of focus on who such voters are and where they live.

Stewart Jackson: In Peterborough, one Tory candidate once floored an opponent. The coming contest may be no less exciting.

As the MP for the city seat for twelve years, I suppose I am as good a guide as anyone to the campaign ahead.

James Palmer: We need a Minister for East West Rail

We must drive this project forward. It is a vital piece of infrastructure which could allow a million new homes to be built. But we need to sort out the route.

Exclusive. Tory Association Chairmen protest against the “misuse of Party funds” on “propaganda campaign” backing the deal

ConservativeHome can reveal a letter signed by 32 senior activists, including the chairmen of key marginals and target seats across the country.

Paul Bristow selected for Peterborough

He won out over Cllr Helen Harrison and Clarence Mitchell. The Labour majority is 607, and the possibility of a by-election looms.

Nick Hargrave: Yes, I compiled an attack dossier on Johnson. But at best, there’s a real purpose to opposition research.

It works best when painting a substantive contrast on issues that voters care about. And here are four strategic choices for the Conservatives.

Selections. Five more seats and the first ‘team seats’ open for applications.

Bath, Bishop Auckland, Bristol North West, Peterborough, and Wirral West are seeking candidates, as are several northern cities.

Siobhan Baillie selected to contest target seat of Stroud

Also: candidate applications are set to open in Peterborough, in preparation for a possible forthcoming by-election.

James Palmer: Cambridgeshire is well placed to benefit from the broader international trade that Brexit will offer

Metro Mayors can play a crucial role – but a Government cave-in on leaving the customs union risks missing the potential of the global economy.