Philip Johnston

The stakes are high

30 September 2011 | Philip Johnston

David Cameron will be facing down his critics in Manchester and holding firmly on to the political centre ground Read more

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The hundred years war

23 May 2011 | Philip Johnston

Attempts to establish an elected House of Lords over the past century have all ended in failure. So don’t hold your breath over Nick Clegg’s draft Bill Read more...

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Probably not, prime minister, by Philip Johnston

4 November 2010 | Philip Johnston

David Cameron has made speedy and sweeping reforms to the public sector, but the spirit of Sir Humphrey Appleby lives on and is determined to thwart change Read more...

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Hung, drawn or slaughtered? By Philip Johnston

11 February 2010 | Philip Johnston

Most people expect Labour to suffer a heavy defeat in the election. But polls show that disillusionment with politicians in general might lead to a hung Parliament Read more...

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State of the unions, by Philip Johnston

30 October 2009 | Philip Johnston

When I started in journalism, working for a regional newspaper group in the early 1980s, we still used typewriters and gave copy to linotype operators to input even though the old hot metal machines had long gone. We also had computers but they were kept under wraps, literally, because the print unions would not let anyone use them. Read more...

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The end is Nye, by Philip Johnston

20 August 2009 | Philip Johnston

Since Aneurin Bevan established the NHS in 1948, questioning its future has been taboo. But the debate has opened up a can of worms here over US health care Read more...

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Weak constitution

25 June 2009 | Philip Johnston

John Bercow’s election as Speaker has been seen as the triumph of the common man over the old Etonian. In reality, Parliament is in serious danger. Read more

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Last dance saloon

27 February 2009 | Philip Johnston

In normal times, the Budget would be taking place in under a fortnight. The second week in March has become the Treasury’s favoured date over the years, to the annoyance of MPs who would prefer to be at the Cheltenham Festival. Read more

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Commons as muck

12 December 2008 | Philip Johnston

The parliamentary Christmas recess, which starts next week, cannot come quickly enough for Michael Martin, the embattled Commons speaker. Read more

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Burning questions for Birmingham

26 September 2008 | Philip Johnston

As the party conference season draws to a close, does this feel like the run-up to 1979 or 1992? Read more

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