Atlee seems to have been very competent administratively, though I feel the way he implemented his reforms has cast a very long shadow. Interesting reflections.What makes Blair, Thatcher and Attlee s… (View Post)

My settled view of the way a typical investigative media story in this country is prepared is: 1. Decide what your theme is going to be, considering what your audience would like and whether it'… (View Post)

I'm always wary of regional analysis as on the night it usually turns out that the pattern is different from what we expected. But as HYUFD has said, there has been a very clear, substantial swi… (View Post)

In 15 years working there, I never heard anyone suggest it was problematic - it was just a minor part of the fiscal scenery and people paid it without grumbling. (View Post)

Gordon lowered income tax by 1p, I think because it was counter-intuitive and showed how New Labour we all were. I've never met anyone at the time or since who evinced the slightest pleasure abo… (View Post)