Author Archives: David Skelton

The Best Political Books of 2011

There has been the usual rush of fascinating political books in 2011, including a rash of New Labour memoirs and it’s pretty difficult to narrow a lot of very important books to a list of only five.  Alistair Darling’s memoirs … Continue reading

Posted in Must-Reads | 6 Comments

Where are all the ribbons on World Aids Day?

It’s World Aids Day today and the red ribbon is its symbol.   But today, on Britain’s high streets, there is little sign of many red ribbons, despite there being a greater need for awareness of HIV and Aids than any … Continue reading

Posted in Quality of Life | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Conservatives Have Much To Learn From John Howard’s Appeal To Blue Collar Voters

“It’s not an exclusive definition, the battler is somebody who finds in life that they have to work hard for everything they get… normally you then look at it in terms of somebody who’s not earning a huge income but … Continue reading

Posted in Party Politics | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

We mustn’t forget the importance of risk taking and trial and error

Tim Harford spoke at Policy Exchange yesterday about the importance of innovation to the economy, reflecting on his excellent new book Adapt – Why Success Always Starts With Failure. It was a fascinating and hugely entertaining event, which got many … Continue reading

Posted in Economics | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Can The Tories Win In The North?

Over recent decades, the Conservatives have failed to make any real breakthrough in the North.  Party strategists will be increasingly concerned given the electoral battleground is moving North at the same time as hostility to the Conservatives in large parts … Continue reading

Posted in Elections | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment