While most eyes are on Labour’s ideological battles or Tory referendum struggles, devolution is changing the nature of government and politics.
There is strong public support for powerful mayors who can take the lead on tackling the problems of our city regions.
The Union needs ‘British politics’, a badly weakened concept. Ruth Davidson must keep her party British, as well as Scottish.
Twelve SNP-held seats could provide the next few stages of Ruth Davidson’s long march.
Also: Jones pleads with minor party voters to back Welsh Labour in close fights with Tories; SNP urged to ‘shred’ £10bn deal with Chinese firms accused of human rights abuses; and more.
Welsh Labour are repeating their party’s Scottish mistake by stoking nationalism for short-term gain. The Labour Leave campaign should not parrot them.
Rediscovering the strong, municipal politics of the Nineteenth Century is the key to making Britain thrive in the Twenty First.
The academies plan could mark the start of a more effective, cheaper, de-centralised, responsive and accountable way of running the nation’s services.
Also: SNP minister accused of ignoring human rights abuses to solicit Qatari cash; UUP condemn McGuinness’ involvement in terror investigation panel; and more.
We should start by recognising that current public services are not quite fit for purpose, and that cuts afford us an opportunity.
Also: Villiers accused of ducking questions on Brexit’s impact on NI; Welsh Tories want ‘scores on doors’ for hospitals; SNP take cover from poor financial figures; and more.
Either we trust local government to manage its own finances, or we don’t.
Also: Davies savages Plaid for “grubby” pact attempt; Scottish Labour back SNP in devolution confrontation; Momentum refuse Ulster branch; and more.
Gove’s proposals are a welcome first step, but a truly radical programme must have a much broader scope than jails alone.
What else should be devolved? To where and who? By what process?