As 2017 draws to a close, the United Kingdom is in better shape than many of its supporters had dared to hope.
Also: Cairns criticised over future of Swansea tidal lagoon; SNP squeeze private schools as teacher crisis deepends; and Foster ‘was not fully warned’ about RHI risks.
The MP for Sutton and Cheam will have his work cut out to reconnect the Tories to a city which some fear could become their “next Scotland”.
Both of the national parties are built around different attitudes to economic policy, and the Scottish Parliament’s new responsibilities will force tough choices on the SNP.
Also: Sargeant’s son to contest his seat at Welsh by-election; and Labour may use direct rule to align Northern Irieland with the mainland on abortion and gay marriage.
Also: Welsh Labour abandon investigation into Sargeant as Jones faces fresh accusations; and Mundell suggests a dangerous retreat on EU powers.
Their aggressive campaign against the scandal-mired First Minister is helping to keep one of Labour’s most senior elected figures off the national chessboard.
Also: DUP gear up for enhanced role whilst working on border compromise; and Holyrood committee shows its teeth and plunges SNP policy into chaos.
The Tories are working hard not just to argue but to demonstrate that Scottish interests are best served within British institutions and frameworks.
Hammond tries to lure Stormont back to its feet with yet more powers; Scots Tories highlight Budget role; and more.
Just as with Leave voters, another big swath of the electorate might be abandoned to Ruth Davidson as her rivals focus elsewhere.
The end of Rhodesia did not need to herald mass murder, economic collapse, and a nosedive in life expectancy.