Ferguson got it wrong, but the buck stops with Johnson

Leadership during the pandemic has involved, even more than usual, the strength to put up with uncertainty.

Is racism in Britain increasing?

The third part of a series on ConHome this week about the politics of race and ethnicity in Britain today.

Emily Carver: The Government’s plan to make exams easier will be devastating for this country’s education system

The Department of Education wants to address school disruption by “reducing pressure” on students.

Does the Climate Change Committee have too much power?

The second piece in a mini-series on ConHome this week on Net Zero and climate change.

After three by-elections and before tomorrow’s Covid announcement, here are five big challenges for Johnson

The further the act of leaving the EU recedes, the more 2019’s Tory voters will move on – as two recent by-elections reminded us.

The Electoral Commission has a new chairman – but do we really need it?

John Pullinger has done little to quell concerns that the body interferes in issues beyond its remit.

Iain Dale: Starmer is right to appoint one of Blair’s former advisers. But if other MPs can’t see that, Labour are doomed.

Plus: I’ll admit that I didn’t see the Lib Dem victory coming. And: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye.

Profile of an ex-Prime Minister. Theresa May becomes the voice of Conservative conscience.

While Blair, Brown and Cameron scuttled off indecorously after leaving Number 10, she remains in the Commons and tries to hold Johnson to account.

Richard Holden: Levelling up is for voters in the South as well as my constituents in Durham

The Government’s planning proposals haven’t even gone out to consultation yet – and everyone knows that the current system’s broken.

WATCH: Blair calls for the “most vulnerable” across the world to be vaccinated by the end of the year

The former Prime Minister says the “reason for doing that is enlightened self-interest, not humanitarian simply.”

Robert Halfon: Beware the bear traps. The Conservatives’ biggest threat is complacency.

I really worry when so many in our party and in the media think that is all over for the centre-left.

Norcott tells us why Radio Four is no longer funny

This comedian who came out as a Conservative also explains why Labour, by espousing vengeful moral certainties, has lost the working class.

Profile: Penny Mordaunt. Ambitious, socially liberal, sacked, then rehabilitated, restive, military-flavoured – and on manoeuvres.

In place of deviations from the Number Ten line have come the squashing of Rayner and even a comparison of the PM to Churchill.

Richard Holden: Why Labour’s grip on seats like mine weakened. And how we can strengthen our own everywhere.

This is a story of institutions, work and habits changing out of recognition – and how we can improve our position and the country once we’re heard.

Labour voters make Kim Leadbeater, sister of Jo Cox, early favourite in the Batley and Spen by-election

They described Johnson as a “dictator”, and want a local champion. The Conservatives have now selected their candidate.