In trying to maximise the Party’s vote share, it’s essential that a proper audit of these barriers takes place (and others will no doubt think of some I have missed).
The Government had next to no living standards message at the election. It needs one now – and to explain how it fits in with those three priorities.
This year, Wales produced the lowest A* to C grade GCSE results since 2006, with the GCSE attainment gap between the best and worst performing areas widening.
Nick Gibb changed the National Curriculum to require schools explicitly to teach reading using the method. The results have been outstanding.
There is no wriggle room in the commitment. Yet the department has decided to have an enquiry to decide whether to do what was promised or not.
It is not especially low tax, nor is it unregulated – though it is certainly a more business-friendly environment then the UK. Here is why it works.
Another option would be for Ofsted to rate the school in question from “Outstanding” to “Inadequate” for its engagement and the breadth of its careers advice.
On the usual form of general elections, it shouldn’t be there at all – and is more shaped by the Party’s leadership than any of its predecessors.
The simultaneous creation and collapse of a new force has been written off an establishment failure. The truth is more interesting.
With the stakes as high as they are, the Tories need to throw the kitchen sink at the Opposition to drag themselves ahead in the polls.
The third piece in a five-part series on ConHome on a new Manifesto to Strengthen Families, which is being launched in Parliament this week.
It should focus on improving vocational training for people who are not going to university – and on getting primary as well as secondary education right.
The full force of policy and how it is communicated will need to be wrapped in an overarching theme of securing a bright future for the country after Brexit.