If change was needed at the whips’ office, it isn’t at all clear why it was this change.
Since claims that he ordered pairs to be broken aren’t being denied, he must go.
Plus: Shame on the Conservative whips. And away with Julian Assange: most of us would happily pay his airfare.
The Brexit Secretary has taken control of the Government’s dealings with Grieve – for the moment, anyway. Watch for further twists and turns.
It’s about neither the principle nor the form of Brexit. Its purpose is to make leaving orderly. MPs should effect it this week.
With the Bill expected to return in the week of 11th June, the Government is weighing up which amendments must be fought and which could be defeated.
Those representing working class seats in the Midlands and North will be nervous of any suggestion that they’re betraying the referendum result.
She will be feeling a hand of history on her shoulder, and wondering if the other holds a knife at her back.
Plus: The Whips need to get a grip. I greet the recovery of the pound. I fear for the future of our high streets.
It is hard to appoint more women to Cabinet when there are few senior women to promote. We count only four at Minister of State level.
Bringing on more women, rising stars and members of the 2015 intake – or even this year’s – will bring less gain than it could if such moves are not part of a policy plan.
That’s what Sarah Wollaston suggested on my show this week. Plus: my prison visit, sticking by your friends…and sticking with spending control in the Budget.
Many Tories will be glad to see her back on the frontbench. But her new job will exercise a different set of political muscles from her past role.