Sorry, Matthew, but there’s a Centre Party already – Johnson’s Conservatives

The centre isn’t where he or ConservativeHome or anyone else wants it to be. It’s where it is – “Far From Notting Hill”.

Macron and others played politics with AstraZeneca. The consequences for many EU citizens are fatal.

Some leaders realise the seriousness of the problem. Merkel’s spokesman has pleaded with Germans to take the “safe and highly effective” jab.

As the Treasury digs in on Eat Out to Help Out, its critics are fighting an uphill battle

New figures seem to bolster the claim that the policy which turned ‘Rishi’ into a household name it didn’t drive infections. Don’t expect him to recant it.

Sunak opts to suck it and see

The OBR’s horrid forecasts of an output implosion and soaring unemployment will do nothing to quell Tory resistance to tougher Covid tiers.

Hugh Osmond: Why care homes, schools and workplaces – and not Eat Out to Help Out – have boosted the resurgence of the virus

The author takes issue with our columnist Ryan Bourne’s piece on the site published a week ago today.

Ryan Bourne: “Levelling the playing field” is no argument for an online sales tax

Wind and nuclear power both produce electricity. But if someone said we needed a tax on wind power to subsidise nuclear, you’d think they were mad.

Ryan Bourne: The Right’s glory was its mastery of economic policy. Why has it given up even thinking about it?

Precisely what does Johnson think was wrong with the 2010-2018 deficit reduction agenda? Who knows? The Tories don’t have a clear economic story.

Sunak’s statement tomorrow. How much like the Old Normal can we afford to make the New Normal be – or try to?

Given the Coronavirus uncertainties, whatever he announces could be even more provisional than most schemes of most Chancellors. 

“Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”

The big picture is that Johnson is dashing for growth. We devoutly hope it works but the precedents aren’t promising.

Is Sunak being dragged in the direction of a Universal Basic Income?

Some form of the scheme may be necessary as an expedient. But beware: nothing lasts so long as the temporary.

Childcare policy should support all parents with children – not just those who work in the labour market

By putting money into the hands of parents, in effect, such help would help to drive the demand for childcare of all kinds, formal and informal.

Rosalind Beck: It’s not just EU policy that’s driving conservative voters towards the Brexit Party

The anti-business, anti-private property trajectory is doing it just as much damage – as exemplified in the field of housing and rent.

May decisions for autumn. 1) What’s to be done about the deficit?

The Prime Minister and Hammond must choose between risks.

Tim Stacey: Why conservatives must address inequality

Ignoring the issue would be inconsistent with the principles many on the right hold dear.

We ask our panel: What did you think of the Autumn Statement?

Ryan Bourne, Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell, Andrew Lilico, Cllr Binita Mehta, Andrew Mitchell MP and others give their take on Osborne’s latest mini-Budget.