Bagehot’s notebook
Analysis of British life and politics, in the tradition of Walter Bagehot, editor of The Economist from 1861-77
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190622_BRP550.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190622_BRP501.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190622_BLP502.jpg)
Bagehot’s week
On Britain beyond Brexit and the future of Conservatism
Our columnist reflects on the turmoil facing the Conservative Party
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190525_BRP501.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190427_brp507.jpg)
Bagehot’s week
On “Fleabag”, a Corbyn government and Kenneth Clarke’s tandoori moments
Our Britain columnist laments the decline of working-class culture
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190420_blp909.jpg)
Bagehot’s week
On “Game of Thrones”, Conservatism, Israel and Lidl
Our political columnist pitches a dynastic new television show
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190406_BRP502.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190323_BRP514.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190316_BRP511.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190309_BLP513.jpg)
Bagehot’s week
On political paralysis, British intellectuals and the wisdom of Victorians
Our Britain columnist offers Theresa May a dramatic suggestion
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190302_BRP505.jpg)
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
![](https://www.economist.com/img/b/1424/801/90/sites/default/files/20190223_BLP508.jpg)
Bagehot’s week
On Brexit films, Brexit books and Brexit television
Our Bagehot columnist shares some thoughts, from Los Angeles to Alan Partridge