The breakthrough on a coronavirus vaccine is wonderful news. It is a long time since the front pages and bulletins have been dominated by something positive for two days running,...
In recent weeks, Boris Johnson’s allies began to prepare the ground for a Joe Biden presidency. They argued that, while there might be some short-term turbulence, the two men would...
The relationship between politicians and scientists has changed markedly during the coronavirus crisis. At first, ministers insisted they were “following the science”. Then they were “guided” by it. Now they...
A week after Boris Johnson’s clumsy, confusing announcement on easing the coronavirus lockdown, the government is still tying itself in knots as it tries to explain the rules to the...
Voting ended on Thursday in Labour’s leadership election, before Jeremy Corbyn’s long, five-month goodbye ends on Saturday. Even some one-time supporters can’t wait for him to leave the stage. “I...
Normally, a “three strikes and you’re out” rule would appeal to Priti Patel, as the home secretary is a hardliner on law and order. She will be rather less in...
The gloves are finally coming off in Labour’s long leadership fight as it reaches the critical stage. Ballot forms have started to go out to Labour’s 580,000 members. Most of...
Boris Johnson is stealing so many of Labour’s clothes that the opposition will soon not have many left. As he announced the final go-ahead for the HS2 project which began...
Boris Johnson’s conciliatory language towards the EU as the UK formally departed didn’t last long. Three days, to be precise. On Monday the prime minister played hardball in a speech...
During Christmas week, my two identities intersected. At work, I’m a political junkie, a Westminster journalist since 1982. Outside work, I’m addicted to football, Tottenham Hotspur in particular. On...
Political columnist for The Independent.
