Potemkin legislation

There is a mismatch between Government announcements and Commons realities. It cannot attempt reforms without risking them being amended out of recognition.

WATCH: Philp describes the “difficult and painful process” of controlling public spending

The party’s Vice Chairman for Policy was being pressed on police cuts.

Kevin Hollinrake: Why the Government should continue to push for a real living wage

There are benefits all round when employers adopt the higher, voluntary rate, and the public sector ought to be setting an example.

James Frayne: Five new political parties that could be formed

Specifically for anti-Brexit politicians, the path to creating such a party lies firmly on what we think of as the Left;

Jonathan Clark: Is it time to sweep away our political parties – and clear the decks for Leave v Remain?

The electorate are less and less convinced by such arguments about party identity and destiny. Far underground, the tectonic plates are moving.

Iain Mansfield: We must recapture the commanding heights of society from the Left

It has secured an overwhelming dominance. Until or unless this changes, the Right may win elections – but to limited effect.

Will Tanner: The Budget choice on ending austerity. Raise taxes – or ease up on deficit reduction.

In the final article of our mini-series, the Onward Director says that there must also be a new strategy to help boost Britain’s productivity rate.

Chloe Westley: In praise of the small business people I met, who help create the wealth which keeps public services going

During this Budget run-up, many of those I met raised business rates as a killer, plus council tax, the apprenticeship levy, parking charges and corporation tax, too.

George Freeman: Come to our Big Tent Ideas Festival next weekend. And help build conservatism and capitalism for a new generation.

Penny Mordaunt, Liz Truss, Dan Hannan, Liam Halligan, Steve Baker, Tom Tugendhat & others will speak. And there’s a special discount for ConHome readers.

Jeremy Hunt: On its 70th anniversary, we must not let the left claim the NHS

Our new, outcome-focused, and patient-centric plans fit into a long tradition of careful Conservative stewardship of the Health Service.

Alex Morton: A win for those spending Ministers would be a defeat for the taxpayer – not just Hammond and Truss

The Comprehensive Spending Review has to be seen as a way to reset the narrative. Government need to focus on reform as a positive – not expenditure.

Rob Wilson: Bold ministers could breathe fresh life into popular capitalism

Some on the left – and perhaps the right too – believe this agenda has run out of runway. Here are a few ideas to get it airborne.

Sarah Stook: Mental health. More money alone won’t guarantee more quality care. Here’s how to help get it.

When the most vulnerable in society are not being helped properly, we need to look at ourselves. Educating both staff and the public can begin to create change.

Barnaby Lenon: Independent schools have much to offer the state sector, and stand ready to help

The stellar success of the London Academy of Excellence, supported by six independent schools, shows just some of what we can achieve by co-operating.

The reaction to the NHS pay offer shows that relaxing austerity will not be as easy as some imagine

It might please nurses, but provokes new pay demands from teachers, doctors and soldiers. Nor would a hypothecated ‘NHS Tax’ make the issue go away.