By Matthew BarrettFollow Matthew on Twitter. 4pm update: People's Pledge sources tells me that Anne Marie Morris, the MP for Newton Abbot has come out in support of a referendum. Mike Freer, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, has also backed a referendum. This is significant because Freer was not one of the 81 rebels, […]
A variety of reactions are pasted in this blog. The names of those calling for some change of message, priority or operational changes are emboldened. We have also included the contributions of MPs who have not advocated substantial changes. 5.45pm A little round-up of what Tory MPs have said during the day: David Ruffley MP […]
By Paul GoodmanFollow Paul on Twitter First, some necessary preliminaries. The debate took place on Wednesday afternoon in Westminster Hall. Its premis was that such papers are a good thing and that their endangered future is a bad thing – which is incontestable. The Corby MP made a good speech, and here is the sum […]
By Matthew BarrettFollow Matthew on Twitter I recently profiled the 2020 and Free Enterprise groups of Tory MPs. Those two groups are formed by ideology: MPs are attracted to the groups because, in the case of the Free Enterprise Group, members wish to open up markets and make Britain business-friendly enough to compete with other world class economies. The 2020's […]
By Matthew BarrettFollow Matthew on Twitter Sky News' annual St Valentine’s Day poll, compiled by Sky News’ political team sees the Conservative MP for Richmond Park, Zac Goldsmith, retaining his position as the most fanciable male MP. Labour's Luciana Berger also retained her position as the most fanciable female MP, although Tory women are rated as the most attractive […]
By Matthew BarrettFollow Matthew on Twitter Earlier today, on Comment, Daniel Hannan MEP wrote: "Today, the People’s Pledge announces the most ambitious campaign ever to secure an In/Out referendum. It aims to show MPs in all parties that there is a premium in doing the right thing: that supporting a referendum carries an electoral reward. […]
By Paul GoodmanFollow Paul on Twitter Mensch said: "I’m not even a PPS (parliamentary private secretary, the lowest run on the ministerial ladder). It’s kind of annoying. What do I have to do to get promoted over here? Am I being disloyal? I don’t know." "I need to sit down with my whip and say […]
By Tim MontgomerieFollow Tim on Twitter Photograph courtesy of GQ. Louise Bagshawe was well known to ConHome through her always provocative and passionate weekly column. Her final column at the end of 2007 was entitled 'In praise of Margaret Thatcher'. Now Louise Mensch following her second marriage to the Metallica manager, Peter Mensch, she was one […]
Yesterday in the Commons saw a debate covering the Coalition Government's proposals to "extend anonymity in rape cases to defendants". There were many well-informed contributions and a number of the new Conservative intake contributed to voice their concern about the proposal and to make alternative suggestions as to a way forward. Anna Soubry (Broxtowe), was […]
Three of this week's maiden speeches delivered by new Conservative MPs featured particular praise for Baroness Thatcher. Mike Freer gained Finchley and Golders Green for the Conservatives – a seat taking in much of the constituency represented by the former Prime Minister: "Those hon. Members in the Chamber a couple of days ago will have […]