The Last Word Articles

Good politicians are capable communicators. Without the ability to effectively communicate, political ideas cannot be properly expressed or understood; political arguments cannot be fought and won. The ability to communicate well is fundamental to political success....

Boris Johnson has unique political gifts. Fortunately, being unique does not also make these gifts useful, desirable or of particular public value. In truth, Johnson’s most consistent gift has been the gift of ‘getting away with it’. Such a gift has little political...

Long-suffering readers will be familiar with my affection for the Simpsons, in particular the political genius that is Mayor ‘Diamond’ Joe Quimby. During these wild times in the Labour party, the mind can occasionally drift to Quimby’s office. For the benefit of my...

Pain, progress and pioneers The Last Word is back! This time with 20 per cent more intellectual content, a 10 per cent reduction in sarcasm and no mention of Super Tuesday. Burn after reading But a word of warning. Before you read further, I'm currently 100/1 on...