Congratulations – and welcome to hell

The new Prime Minister will inherit the worst political legacy in living memory – with the very barest of working majorities.

Henry Hill: Hunt and Johnson declare Backstop ‘dead’ and promise to protect Ulster veterans

Also: Bebb to stand down as MP over Tory policy on Brexit; Bradley criticised for rushing ill-drafted Northern Irish legislation.

Henry Hill: Westminster legislating for Northern Ireland sets a useful precedent for the DUP

Also: A good week for devoscepticism as Hunt urges Johnson to rule out new powers for Holyrood; Lidington and Mundell issue warnings on the Union; and more.

John Lamont: Contrary to the SNP’s expectations, the closer we get to Brexit, the more popular the Union becomes

In her haste to hijack the EU referendum result to serve her cause, Sturgeon badly misjudged it.

Henry Hill: Johnson and Hunt woo DUP as leadership roadshow hits Belfast

Also: Next Prime Minister faces tricky questions on devolution, same-sex marriage, and abortion in Ulster; and May orders a review of devolution – will it do any good?

Jamie Greene MSP: As a Brexiteer and a Unionist, I’m backing Hunt

Johnson had been touted as a potential leader long before I was handing out leaflets for him a decade ago; but friends, those were different days and different times.

Gareth Lyon: The case for academising local authorities

Just as high performing and well-led schools were allowed to convert to being academies, good local councils should have the chance of financial independence.

Henry Hill: Hunt pulls Foreign Office support to Sturgeon’s separatist excursions

Also: MPs criticise Foreign Secretary over Ulster veterans; Johnson makes Thomson his Scottish campaign chief; and fierce competition to lead the NIO.

Interview. Johnson says that every member of his Cabinet must sign up to Britain leaving the EU on 31st October – deal or no deal

The front runner on extension, Scotland, that Islamophobia inquiry, wrestling naked with Hunt – and taking a Trollope to bed in Downing Street.

Alexander Temerko: Without a softer Brexit, the Conservatives will be destroyed. Who can best deliver it – Hunt or Johnson?

Speaking to many donors at the Birmingham hustings on Saturday, I found that the Foreign Secretary’s quiet assurances were more attractive to them.

In praise of Conservative Party members

“Spot on” policy questions to Johnson and Hunt in Birmingham yesterday showed Tory activists as they really are.

Jason Rust: Why I’m backing Hunt

Representing a council ward with an army barracks, I am delighted with Jeremy’s support for properly funded armed forces.

Dean Godson: There are plenty of ideas on the centre-right. Here’s how it can create a new, decent, patriotric consensus.

Despite polarisation on Brexit, there is more agreement among voters than often appears – and therefore more cause for optimism.

Thomas Kerr: The SNP is relying on a culture of secrecy to hide its failings in Glasgow

We need a positive alternative to encourage enterprise. That must include lower Business Rates and ending perverse planning rules.

Andrea Gee: I’m standing in this Euro-election in Scotland to help deliver Brexit – and defy Sturgeon

The solution to the challenges we face doesn’t lie in burying our heads in the sand or in jumping ship to another party.