From magic circle to one member one vote: a short history of Tory leadership contests

The present election will turn on whether MPs and activists put national popularity before ideological soundness.

For a really serious British foreign policy failure, look at Chamberlain’s attempt to appease Hitler

Tim Bouverie has written a fascinating account of the slide towards the Second World War.

We think we know Churchill, but are constantly surprised by him

Andrew Roberts manages to bring the great man before us in all his variousness in just under a thousand pages.

Why May – and all her predecessors – have failed to cut the Gordian knot of the EU

Andrew Adonis’ new study of Prime Ministers since Churchill shows how difficult it is to reach an acceptable, and practical, European policy.

When think tanks think and when think tanks tank

Onward, FREER, the revitalised CPS. The Tory MPs involved in all these will have to take some risks if they’re to get off the groumd.

Peter Marshall: We must all now focus on finding a way to build a positive future relationship

We need to rekindle l’esprit communautaire, on both sides of the channel. In Walpole’s famous phrase, “this dance can no longer go”.

Hard lessons for May from leadership contests of the past

Bonar Law’s words in 1922 apply to the present leader: “The party elects a leader, and that leader chooses the policy, and if the party does not like it, they have to get another leader.”

John Deben: Weak leadership, catastrophic decisions. The appeasement of reactionaries over Brexit has betrayed Heath’s legacy

He wouldn’t have let Cash and Fox, Johnson and Rees-Mogg seize the agenda. He would have fought Farage’s populism as he fought that of Powell.

Interview: “Well, it’s very flattering. But I’m not taking it seriously.” Rees-Mogg says he won’t stand for the Conservative leadership

The Somerset MP strongly supports Theresa May, denies anti-Etonian prejudice in public life, and says a Catholic could perfectly well be PM.

Alex Morton: May must not turn into Major

She cannot be a stationary establishment figure when faced with the restless mood of the voting public. She must move forwards – or we risk a 1997-style wipeout.

Tim Patmore: Let’s build a million homes a year – but none of them on the green belt

It can be done, but it requires a great deal of political ambition.

Why Trump’s victory raises the stakes for Johnson

He has the potential to become a great Foreign Secretary, but will need to establish a reputation for trustworthiness.

Profile: Gavin Williamson, the “baby-faced assassin” who is now Chief Whip

He has seamlessly made the transition from Cameron to May.

Build, build, build with Javid

The new Communities Secretary sees the construction of more homes as his priority. It is a daunting political mission.

Iain Dale: Off I go to find The Gayest Thing You’ve Ever Seen

Plus: August, the best political month. Thatcher, the best post-war Prime Minister. Off to Any Questions. Off to Edinburgh. And: will I poison an MP?