An Autumn Statement Delivered in the Dark
Philip Hammond delivered his first, and last, Autumn Statement to the Commons on Wednesday. Not one for gimmicks or showmanship, Hammond presented what was largely a continuity budget statement, confirming…
Conservative Party Conference: Setting a new agenda
The Conservative Party Conference marked the beginning of a new era of conservatism under Theresa May. Theresa May began her speech by praising David Cameron for delivering change but said…
Getting to know Mrs May
Party leadership elections normally hold a dual purpose. Primarily, of course, they serve to allow a party to democratically elect its next leader in an open and transparent way. But,…
The issue that never dies
The Conservatives have always been divided when it comes to Europe. More than any other issue, membership of the EU has driven a chasm through the party time and time…
Is privatisation the route to a budget surplus?
Just before the Easter weekend, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills somewhat cynically slipped out a proposal to privatise the UK Land Registry. On the surface, it is not…
Sugaring a bitter Budget pill
This lunchtime George Osborne delivered his eighth Budget and announced a sugar levy on soft drinks. The issue of a ‘sugar tax’ is a multi-layered one that requires a great…