The quiet progress of the Troubled Families programme

Fewer children are going into care. Crime is reduced. The taxpayer is saving money. The Government was right to defy the critics of this initiative.

Tom Hunt: Ipswich needs a northern relief road – here is how we can win the campaign

My experience in Ely has shown me that it can be done – with tenacity, optimism and the broadest possible local backing.

James Morris: Introducing Conservative Academy, our new training tool for members

From campaigning to recruitment to compliance, our new online toolkit will help new recruits and seasoned veterans alike do their bit for the Conservative cause.

Paul Canal: The Conservatives are fighting hard to win back Redbridge

Labour promised thousands of new social homes when they took over in 2014. They have only built six a year.

Brandon Lewis: As we meet for our Spring Forum, far-left intimidation is on the rise. But we will not be silenced.

Free speech is fundamental to a free country. So we must all make sure that Conservative voices are heard – even where they may not always be welcome.

Rob Semple: A progress report on changes to the Party’s constitution

There will be no proposals to change the right of members to select their Parliamentary candidates, and the suggestion that anyone would seek to remove Associations from our organisation is clear fantasy.

Next year, council tax increases of up to six per cent will be allowed without a referendum

This weakening of local accountability makes it all the more important for Conservatives to offer voters a clear alternative.

Councils should privatise debt collection

A less bureaucratic approach will ease hardship and bring more money in. But the Government also needs to ensure equal rules apply for all that are owed money.

EXCLUSIVE: Draft new Conservative Party Constitution revealed – including further candidate selection centralisation

The proposals also include making a youth movement only optional, not a requirement, for the Party.

Interview with Rosa Monckton. How the minimum wage helps keep 93 per cent of people with learning difficulties unemployed

The businesswoman, whose daughter Domenica has Down’s Syndrome, says that the disabled should be welcomed into the world of work.

CCHQ looks to bring Elliott inside the tent – but in what capacity?

The Times tips him to be put in charge of reforming the campaign machine, but he’d be perfectly suited to implement ConservativeHome’s proposed outreach programme.

Labour has started selecting candidates for target seats – the Conservatives must not get left behind

The Pickles Review advised far earlier selections – so why has CCHQ not yet acted?

Danny Stone: Conservatives are right to fight anti-semitism – but beware making it a political football

Condemnation of such bigotry in other political parties must not be reduced to partisan mudslinging.

And now for 15 items of good news

May’s damaged authority is having a beneficial side-effect – namely, freeing Tory MPs to think aloud about the Party’s future.

Lord Ashcroft’s conference diary: Revealed – the MP who led the singing of Happy Birthday to the Prime Minister

Plus: I’ve worked as a postman, a barman and a swimming pool attendant, the new for new talent, and welcoming Michael Dugher.