WATCH: Burnham promises ‘almighty fight’ if Johnson tries to scrap HS2

The Mayor of Greater Manchester is responding to the Prime Minister’s new commission, which aims to independently re-assess the value of the project.

Is Johnson aiming for a snap election?

We concede that this is a question to which the Prime Minister himself may not yet have an answer.

James Frayne: The new Prime Minister won’t triumph on Leave votes alone. Here’s how he can win some Remain supporters over.

The NHS, the environment, childcare: the creative energies of Team Johnson must be poured into new policies for these.

Patrick Spencer: Some advice for the new Conservative leader. Stick to these three ideas to boost productivity.

The new Chancellor should stick to the basics of cutting taxes, spending more on education and rebalancing growth outside of London.

Iain Mansfield: Brexit by October 31. Stop using the Left’s language. And stand for skilled workers. Essentials for our next Prime Minister.

Which candidate can devise and push through the policies needed to unite the Tory shires with the Leave voters of the north?

Robert Halfon: Old Etonian Johnson now drives a white van

Raising national insurance, fewer “sin taxes”, public sector pay rises, more schools spending – all are part of his programme.

Michael Gove: I have shown in government that I deliver. And as Prime Minister, I will deliver Brexit – and stop Corbyn.

My experience – mastering those detailed briefs, winning support, driving through reform – leaves me in the best position to achieve Brexit.

Alan Mak: Conservatism 4.0 – We must ensure that no-one is left behind by the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The second article in a three-part series explaining why adapting to a society and economy shaped by technology is key.

The local election aftermath. May and Corbyn are like two spooked children, drawing nearer for comfort as the thunder rages.

Will they now seek to appease turbulent voters by rushing her-deal-plus-the-Customs-Union through the Commons?

Clark Vasey: Welcome to the Blue Collar Conservatism relaunch

Esther McVey with the support of MPs from across the party is refreshing and renewing the project.

John Downer: Scrapping HS2 wouldn’t help the North, it would cut a vital lifeline to the regional economies

Crucial investment in local rail infrastructure isn’t an alternative to the new line, it depends on it.

Will Tanner: The Budget choice on ending austerity. Raise taxes – or ease up on deficit reduction.

In the final article of our mini-series, the Onward Director says that there must also be a new strategy to help boost Britain’s productivity rate.

James Frayne: The route to a Conservative election victory lies through Middlesbrough, not Canterbury

That doesn’t mean the Party needs to move right; on the contrary, it means accommodating on issues such as the NHS.

Another review won’t spare ministers the need to grasp the nettle of railway reform

Public anger over disruption, fare increases, and cancelled investment needs to be answered – or they will be tempted by Labour’s calls for nationalisation.

Does the rail crisis suggests limits to political accountability in the age of quangos?

Chris Grayling has reportedly “informed Network Rail that this must not happen again”, even as he faced a Commons vote of no confidence.