Five days after the general election, Mr David Cameron, the leader of the Conservative party, accepted the Queen’s request to form an administration and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister, the 12th of her reign, and at 43, the youngest since Lord Liverpool. Five days after the general election, Mr David Cameron, the
This magazine had hoped for a Conservative government. We have what is arguably the next best thing: a government led by David Cameron but supported by some political mercenaries put in the positions where they inflict the least harm — and reform-minded Tories in positions where they can do most good. The strategy is fairly
Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson offers reasons to hope amid the misplaced optimism, and comments that Brown saved the worst till last. James Forsyth reveals who missed out on Cabinet, and watches the coalition pass the easy bit with flying colours. Peter Hoskin argues that
Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers’ Wall. For those who haven’t come across the Wall before, it’s a post we put up each Monday, on which – providing your writing isn’t libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency – you’ll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no
…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk Fraser Nelson describes the rolling political drama, and understands that there will be no compromise on Conservative education plans. James Forsyth identifies the two meanings of PR, and examines the Tory coalition. Peter Hoskin asks where are Labour’s manners, and watches Clegg leave the smoke filled
Unreasonable rationality Sir: I fully agree with the blunt but accurate observations of Melanie Phillips in her piece ‘Welcome to the Age of Irrationality’ (1 May). It is a good measure of the Western mind’s fall into murky confusion, and witless denial, that words like ‘rational’ and ‘secular’ have become prone to a transformation of
The country voted in a general election and local elections. In the run-up to the polls, Mr Gordon Brown had comforted Tiari Sanchez, aged 14, who broke down in tears as she described to a rally of Citizens UK how her family had to eat lentils because their mother earned so little as a cleaner
The scenes in Athens, with thousands of protesters attempting to storm the Greek parliament, should send a chill down the spines of the British government this weekend. It is Britain, not Greece, that has the worst deficit in Europe. The story of the next four years will be one of brutal cuts. As the Greeks
Gordon Brown’s physical presence in 10 Downing Street, while irksome, was not really the problem. Gordon Brown’s physical presence in 10 Downing Street, while irksome, was not really the problem. As Prime Minister, he struggled to achieve anything positive: his skills lay mainly in destroying rivals and terrorising Conservatives. The power he exerted derived from
After an exhausting election, the incoming administration is expected to introduce reforms immediately. But which ones are most urgent? The Spectator asked some of its favourite writers and thinkers to advise the new Prime Minister Stabilise the economy The new government now has to move with utmost swiftness to stabilise British public finances, which Gordon
Here is what Spectator.co.uk made of the election Peter Hoskin wrote a comprehensive live-blog of the night’s events. Fraser Nelson hears rumours of coming Tory war. James Forsyth argues that the Tories were right to put the ball in Clegg’s court. Peter Hoskin records three statesmanlike performances and the odd sales pitch from Nick Clegg,
Alex Massie has now responded to John O’Sullivan’s post on Coffee House yesterday. You can find his response here and a coda to that post here.
…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. Over at Spectator Live, Gaby Hinsliff argues that sometimes are at their best in a crisis. Fraser Nelson says that Cameron will walk the line, and explains why the Guardian should have backed the Tories. James Forsyth highlights the ‘what if’ that must
Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers’ Wall. For those who haven’t come across the Wall before, it’s a post we put up each Monday, on which – providing your writing isn’t libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency – you’ll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no
Making it work Sir: Your leading article (24 April) tells us that: ‘A hung parliament would be a disaster. Coalitions do not work in Westminster’s adversarial system.’ Can’t you see that the adversarial system, with its focus on doing down the opposition rather than on working collegially to decide what might be best for the
On the eve of the third television debate by the leaders of Britain’s three main parties, on the subject of the economy, the Institute for Fiscal Studies published a report on the size of the spending cuts and tax rises needed and criticised the parties for failing to set out how they would achieve them.
It was always dangerous to let Gordon Brown near real voters. His election campaign has been constructed so that he meets as few as possible. Labour aides have been asked to pose as audiences. The Prime Minister has always been a backroom man: he is at his best with spreadsheets and opinions. He is easily
Next week’s election may well bring Conservatism to a crossroads. Next week’s election may well bring Conservatism to a crossroads. If David Cameron fails to secure a majority, he will have a choice: should he seek to enter a deal with the Liberal Democrats as the flailing Ted Heath tried (and failed) to do in
It has been a busy week at Spectator Live, where Gaby Hinsliff has argued that Gordon Brown looks too knackered to carry on and Jo-Anne Nadler interviews William Hague, who wants to be Foreign Secretary. Here is what Spectator.co.uk made of the final televised debate; Fraser Nelson says that Cameron shone, Clegg wobbled and Brown
