Oh, Mandy
February 8, 2026
I have a strange relationship with the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. I am no longer a Stoic and whenever I pick it up, I get
Politics
Will What’s Left of the British Conservative Party Be Worth Saving?
February 6, 2026
For anyone but die-hard Faragists, criticism of the rapidly-evolving Reform UK top table is inevitable. To political opponents, the latest appointments and defections are either
Farage Refusing to Read the Room on Islam
January 24, 2026
Nigel Farage has fashioned a political career from his reputation as an anti-establishment voice; the man who reads the public mood arguably better than anyone
Policemen and Peacocks
January 23, 2026
“Because, I’ll tell you what, if I’d been in that position, and I suspect many of your viewers have been in that position, that’s what
Missing Maggie
January 18, 2026
On the day Mrs Thatcher announced that she was leaving Downing Street I travelled to Westminster from west London, where I was living at that
The Problem With Benny Hill Politics
January 17, 2026
Nigel was up (in Scotland). Nigel was down (in London). Robert was out (of the Conservatives). Robert was in (Reform). If ever a day in
Fantasy Economics
January 4, 2026
The idea that being in a Customs Union with the EU is going to unleash economic growth is, I am afraid, fantasy economics. The received
The New Conservative New Year Message
January 1, 2026
Dear Readers, It’s time to ring in the New Year (quietly, for those of you nursing the hangover from hell), and hope that the memories
The Hit Job on Farage: Handing Him the Keys to Number 10
December 20, 2025
Love him or loathe him, even Nigel Farage’s fiercest opponents would have to concede he has the Midas touch when it comes to triggering political