Author Archives: David Skelton

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 , , , | 2 Comments

Tories should be wary of a retoxification of the brand

Two weeks ago, a Liberal Democrat Minister, Lynne Featherstone, announced at the Lib Dem conference that there would be legislation to legalise gay marriage.  At the same conference, Vince Cable briefed about measures to tackle excessive executive pay, at the … Continue reading

Posted in Party Politics | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Was Miliband’s speech a denial of electoral reality?

There were a number of immediately striking things about Ed Miliband’s speech to Labour conference.  The first is that he has clearly ignored the experience of Labour since the 1950s and forgotten that elections are won on the centre ground … Continue reading

Posted in Elections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Legal Recognition Of Gay Marriage Is Absolutely The Right Thing To Do

The Government has announced that it is planning to launch a consultation with the aim of legalising gay marriage. It’s a very welcome announcement indeed. The case for gay marriage is clear and it is great news that the Government … Continue reading

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment