Henry Hill: Davidson rejects calls to split Tories as she sets out campaign vision

Also: Mercer resigns over Government’s handling of historical allegations against veterans; and Welsh health minister fends off no-confidence vote after latest scandal.

Andy Maciver: As Johnson’s leadership prospects improve, Scots Tories mull going it alone. Here’s why.

As their conference opens this weekend, they are pondering claims that his ratings north of the border are dismal – and how to respond.

James Frayne: What polling does and doesn’t tell us about voters and the environment

There are clearly dangers in accepting the terms set out by green activists – who essentially argue that we can only protect the environment by slowing growth.

Iain Dale: The Conservatives treated Widdecombe with disdain. They will pay the price in lost votes next month.

Plus: Creepy Biden, useless TIGs, spineless Tory MPs…and why I’d favour Scottish independence were I fully Scottish.

Henry Hill: Caught between her activists and the voters, Sturgeon plays for time on independence

Also: Will Lyra McKee’s murder in Londonderry be enough to re-start the political process in Northern Ireland? It doesn’t seem likely.

David Macphee: The Conservatives don’t just need new leadership. They need – and the country requires – an election.

Blaming the system for our predicament is at best a cop-out, and worst an attempt to distract from the fact that MPs are abrogating their responsibility.

Henry Hill: Hunt urges May to repair relations with DUP as leadership hopefuls woo Ulster allies

Also: Dugdale wins lawsuit against cybernat blogger; devolution row as English hospitals shut out Welsh patients over funding; and a week in SNP bad news.

The list of Conservative MEP candidates for Scotland

The current incumbent tops the list, and is joined by five others, including two councillors.

Henry Hill: Tory MPs lead backlash against decision to prosecute Ulster veteran

Also: Eleven candidates prepare to fight Newport West by-election; Trimble hints that backstop changes could be enough; and more.

Henry Hill: Bradley faces fresh calls to resign as Williamson seeks to protect troops

Also: Ministers brace for fight with SNP over ‘Stronger Towns Fund’; Scottish Government backpedalling hard on welfare devolution; and more.

Nick de Bois: The evidence and expertise exists to drive down knife crime – we need the political will to use it

Theresa May co-authored a report in 2012 which identified key lessons from a notable success story. Seven years later, why has so little been done?

Craig Hoy: The middle ground is where elections are won and lost in Scotland

Davidson has parked the Conservatives there – and the emergence of the Independent Group opens up new opportunities.

Henry Hill: New report says Scottish independence negotiations will be ‘tougher than Brexit’

Also: Welsh Labour slump in latest poll; SNP push Mundell over post-Brexit funding; DUP resist calls for 50/50 police recruitment – and more.

Henry Hill: Salmond inquiry warns Scottish Government not to destroy any evidence

Also: Labour hint at laws compelling private businesses to deal in Welsh; SNP divided over ‘soft indy’ call; and DUP hold their line on the backstop.

James Brokenshire: We need a new unionism to bring our country together

It should be about the relationships between towns, cities and regions, as well as between the four nations that make up our United Kingdom.