A modest proposal. Let’s put Bercow in charge – and scrap democracy altogether.
It’s time to grasp the real message of the 2016 referendum: that universal suffrage has been a mistake of historic proportions.
Why resignation may be the least bad option for Johnson
Yesterday’s Downing Street briefing and the plight of the Brexit talks suggest that he will ultimately settle for extension. That could be fatal – not least for him.
The Extinction Rebellion protesters are far more conservative than they realise
And Tories have known since Thatcher’s time that climate change has to be taken seriously.
Wanted in Beaconsfield: a Conservative candidate
Grieve’s intention of standing in the seat as an independent makes it a test case for early selection and local choice.
Don’t assume that this Commons will vote for a general election
MPs would thus become the elected equivalents of the welfare scroungers of tabloid legend – dragging the reputation of Parliament even deeper into the mud.
Maybe it’s because he’s a Londoner that we love Rory so
At first glance, his quest for the city’s mayoralty as an independent is merely eccentric. But it is also a logical next step for an ambitious man who is above all a soloist.
The day the Conservatives swung behind a Canada-type Brexit
The Chequers Plan has been dead for some time, but Johnson has now read the funeral rites over it.
Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: The Prime Minister becomes the salesman for peace
The vehement Johnson of last week transformed himself into a master of the soft word that turneth away wrath.
How the whip-deprived 21 have weakened Johnson’s negotiating position
Had the Benn Act not been passed, it would be far stronger – as he presents his new “fair and reasonable compromise” to the EU.
Andrew Gimson’s Conference sketch: The Prime Minister steps forth as heir to Disraeli and champion of Tory Democracy
The Prime Minister demonstrated his abounding vitality, and his love of teasing the prigs who oppose him.
This was the old, cuddly Boris – not the new, Trumpish Johnson – but with a difference. He was remorselessly on-message.
There is a sense with all Johnson speeches that he is somehow parodying a politician making one – that the whole thing is done tongue-in-cheek.
Strangely subdued
The mood of this conference has been supportive but apprehensive. And now we are finally seeing the outlines of Johnson’s negotiating plan.
Andrew Gimson’s Conference sketch: Hancock says the chances of leaving on 31st October are 100 per cent
The Health Secretary answered questions about the NHS with equal confidence.
Andrew Gimson’s Conference sketch: No riot in Manchester, Rees-Mogg and Gauke applauded
The eerie atmosphere at this conference is the calm in a party which wants to come back together.
Our survey. Activists support the withdrawal of the whip from Tory rebels – but lean towards wanting a way back for them.
The key test seems to be whether or not an MP is prepared to pledge their full support to the Conservative manifesto at the next election.