Blogs & Reports what we think

The common criticism being laid at the door of the Labour leadership is that a lack of definition is holding back their mission to win over a sceptical public who are unconvinced that the Party should be trusted to once again hold the reins of power – particularly on economic policy. With the Coalition government’sRead more

At the time of writing, the 2013 local election results are still coming in, with around two-thirds of those local authorities in which votes are taking place having declared. However, the story of the elections is already clear – it is, of course, the rise of UKIP, labelled a ‘shockwave’ through British politics by theRead more

It has received Royal Assent without a great deal of fanfare, but the Growth and Infrastructure Bill has finally become the Growth and Infrastructure Act. Amongst other things, it will make it easier to roll out fibre-based broadband services in rural areas by simplifying the planning process. But with the Government’s target to get 90%Read more

Somewhat inevitably, the passing of Lady Thatcher has reignited debate within the Conservative Party in respect to its priorities and political direction – as well as what it takes to succeed electorally. In part, this debate has focused on seeking to assess the political narrative that delivered three landslide electoral victories for the party underRead more

Nothing excites political commentary more than a bit of familial rivalry. From the Kennedys through to the Milibands, the scribes of Washington and Westminster like nothing more than sibling competition. Today, David Cameron gave them an even more enticing offering than the Miliband psychodrama by putting Jo Johnson in the Whitehall spotlight. Jo, of course,Read more

When John Major limped to his overwhelming loss in the 1997 general election, it ushered in a long period of morose self-reflection in the Tories. In Tony Blair’s time on the sofa of government, the Conservatives made their way through three leaders, any number of shadow ministers and more policies than they could shake aRead more

With political and media attention over the last couple of weeks having focused on the passing of Lady Thatcher, it is fair to say the forthcoming local elections haven’t exactly captured the public’s imagination. However, on 2nd May, voters in 34 local authorities in England (and 1 in Wales) will be heading to the polls.Read more

Partially obscured in the midst of the Thatcher-fest that’s been dominating our political scene this week, the legacy of another ex-Prime Minister has also been causing some ripples. Popping up in the centenary edition of the New Statesman magazine, Tony Blair made his most forceful intervention in UK politics since he left office, challenging theRead more