The Spectator

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson debates the politics of growth. James Forsyth believes that the broken society must be rebuilt from the bottom up, and sees Russia pocket Obama’s concession and move on. Peter Hoskin has a feeling of déjà vu, and wonders what the Tories can learn from Boris’ fare hike. David Blackburn argues that only the catharsis of a general election can end the expenses saga, and says that the formation of Labour Future suggest the party is destined for post-election internecine confrontation. Daniel Korski thinks that our allies need to prepare anti-insurgency capabilities. Lloyd Evans witnesses a very sombre PMQs. Mark Bathgate deconstructs David Blanchflower.

Let’s hope that Gordon Brown was too busy trying to hex Cameron this week to notice the story about the Sainsbury’s staff member who refused to sell a pregnant customer cheese. Let’s hope that Gordon Brown was too busy trying to hex Cameron this week to notice the story about the Sainsbury’s staff member who refused to sell a pregnant customer cheese. Sainsbury’s defence was that it might be bad for baby, but it’s just the sort of incident that gives our desperate Prime Minister ideas. For all Labour’s devotion to guidelines and chivvying, not many of their bossy initiatives have much effect on behaviour — warnings don’t stop smokers; tax doesn’t moderate our drinking.

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week Fraser Nelson praises Cameron’s revolutionary speech, and believes that the Tories’ welfare plan doesn’t go far enough. James Forsyth argues that the Tories cannot be matched, and says that the Europe won’t go away fot the Tories. Peter Hoskin witnesses a job well done by George Osborne, and sees Andrew Lansley keeping the spending taps on. David Blackburn thinks that Cameron must tackle the expenses scandal head on, and finds the Culture Secretary declaring war on the BBC. Lloyd Evans says Dave has his Goliath in his sights. Daniel Korski is perturbed by General Sir Richard Dannatt. Martin Bright reflects on the Tory conference.

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk this week. Fraser Nelson can’t believe the lines Labour MPs are coming out with, and says it’s game over for Labour in Brighton. James Forsyth says that getting shirty with the media won’t do Labour any favours, and sees Brown’s speech fall flat in Brighton. Peter Hoskin believes that Brown’s fightback is already over, and reckons Brown’s drinking in the last chance saloon, again. David Blackburn argues that the banks are our route to salvation, and observes Labour begging for the return of Blair. Martin Bright asks why say it if you won’t act. Rod Liddle wants to eradicate his inner racist. Alex Massie wonders if Labour’s next leader will be Darling.

The Spectator/Threadneedle Parliamentarian of the Year Awards are fast approaching. As we did last year, we are inviting you to nominate a reader’s representative. This should be the elected official who you believe has best pursued the noble art of politics, putting the public interest ahead of everything else, especially expenses. All you have to do is click here and – in no more than 250 words – nominate your choice. We’ll print a selection of the best nominations in the magazine throughout October. Then, on the 28th October, the reader who has submitted the best-written nomination will be revealed. The closing date for entries is Monday 26th October 2009. Good luck.