British politics

Bagehot’s notebook

Analysis of British life and politics, in the tradition of Walter Bagehot, editor of The Economist from 1861-77

The race to be prime minister

And then there were two

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt progress to the final stage of the Tory leadership contest

Bagehot’s week

The centre cannot hold - the failure of Change UK and the atrophying of political thought

Our columnist reflects on why those trying to shake up contemporary politics have been destined to fail

Bagehot’s week

On Britain beyond Brexit and the future of Conservatism

Our columnist reflects on the turmoil facing the Conservative Party

Bagehot’s week

On Change UK’s inadequacies, political agreements and missing Scots

Our Britain columnist muses over the decline of Scottish influence in Westminster

Bagehot’s week

On “Fleabag”, a Corbyn government and Kenneth Clarke’s tandoori moments

Our Britain columnist laments the decline of working-class culture

Bagehot’s week

On “Game of Thrones”, Conservatism, Israel and Lidl

Our political columnist pitches a dynastic new television show

Bagehot’s week

On parliamentarians talented, vainglorious, entertaining and anarchic

Our Britain columnist considers the best and the worst of MPs in a lively week in the House of Commons and beyond

Bagehot’s week

On political caricatures, “real” policies and the idea of public service

Our Britain columnist worries about the lack of talent in the foreground of British politics

Bagehot’s week

On democracy, Sir Lewis Namier and the struggles of the super-rich

Our Britain columnist has not lost all faith in his country’s parliament

Bagehot’s week

On political paralysis, British intellectuals and the wisdom of Victorians

Our Britain columnist offers Theresa May a dramatic suggestion

Bagehot’s week

On protesting “nuns”, a Labour “defection” and a story about “Andre Previn”

This week, things are not what they seem for our Britain columnist

Bagehot’s week

On Brexit films, Brexit books and Brexit television

Our Bagehot columnist shares some thoughts, from Los Angeles to Alan Partridge