Danny Alexander
Shapps sharpens the Right to Buy
It’s a day for growth initiatives. In addition to those described earlier, George Osborne has announced that Whitehall’s annual underspend will be reinvested into capital spending projects. The emphasis on… Continue reading
9 CommentsThe Lib Dems warn the Tories over Europe
The Lib Dems have just had a brief Q&A on foreign affairs. Paddy Ashdown and defence minister Nick Harvey gave staunch their support to the Afghan Mission, but confessed to… Continue reading
19 CommentsThe strange case of the extra £5bn
Strange things are happening between Whitehall and Birmingham. After the IMF downgraded its growth forecast for Britain yesterday, the BBC reported that some government were considering spending an additional £5bn… Continue reading
23 CommentsEurope looms its head to threaten the coalition and the Tories
The Telegraph’s splash on Europe indicates that the issue, which proved so toxic to the last Conservative government, has risen again. Writing a stern op-ed for the paper, serial rebel… Continue reading
24 CommentsAlexander distances himself from the Tory bashing
Lib Dem conference delegates have just provided the press with a nice easy story, they’ve voted to set up a panel to look at the legalisation of cannabis and the… Continue reading
7 CommentsLaws and Hughes spar as Danny and Vince tease the hall
The two conflicting wings of the Liberal Democrats are perhaps embodied by Simon Hughes and David Laws. Their political and strategic differences have surfaced in this morning’s Observer, where Hughes… Continue reading
8 CommentsThe Lib Dems celebrate their achievements
Sandals are being rattled in Birmingham this morning. The Liberal Democrat conference opens to a chorus celebrating the party’s achievements in government. Nick Clegg tells the Independent that “Liberal Democrat… Continue reading
15 CommentsCable accentuates the coalition’s differences, but not without risk
The Liberal Democrats are in something of a purple patch at the moment, dominating aspects of government policy in the media. Last weekend, Danny Alexander broke his usually modest mould… Continue reading
28 CommentsBalls has the public on his side when it comes to a VAT cut
There are few more useful addendums to Danny Alexander’s comments earlier than YouGov’s poll for the Sunday Times today. It asks people about individual policies for growth, and the results… Continue reading
34 CommentsAlexander rallies behind the 50p rate
Danny Alexander is usually the very model of collective responsibility: sober, unfussy and diligent, he sets about the coalition’s work without ever causing a scene. Which is what makes his… Continue reading
10 CommentsAlexander’s balancing act
Remember that merry dance between the government and the unions over public sector pensions, a few weeks ago? Expect a minor reprise today, and much more over the summer. The… Continue reading
21 CommentsGove steps in to keep the schools running
A letter is bouncing around Whitehall, and I thought CoffeeHousers might care to see a copy. It has been penned by Michael Gove, and is being dispatched to all headmasters… Continue reading
18 CommentsDanny’s maths
And so Danny Alexander has further angered unions by making it clear that "painful decisions" are needed to reform public-sector pensions, including raising the retirement age. But his proposals should… Continue reading
13 CommentsAlexander’s not for turning
After the vacillations of recent days, the government could do with a show of hardheadedness — and Danny Alexander is delivering just that today. He is announcing the government’s plans… Continue reading
23 CommentsThe Coffee House A-Z of the Coalition: G-M
Here are letters G to M in our alphabetical guide to the Coalition’s first year. A-F were covered here. G is for Gaffes The coalition, happily, has not endured anything… Continue reading
2 CommentsCameron sets out the bounds of Lib Dem assertiveness
Our coalition government was forged one year ago tomorrow — and we shall have more on that then. But the Sun has already marked the occasion by publishing an interview… Continue reading
10 CommentsLamb volunteers for the slaughter
We’ll try to get the video later, but, for now, a transcript of Norman Lamb’s appearance on the Politics Show will have to do (UPDATE: video added above). Here we… Continue reading
24 CommentsLib Dems bringing home the bacon
There are a few big Lib Dem policy wins in this Budget, most notably the rise in the personal allowance and the introduction of land auctions. But there are also… Continue reading
1 CommentGeorge Osborne’s Budget magic trick
Spare a thought for George Osborne and Danny Alexander. They had their own budgetary magic show planned for Wednesday, and were yet again planning to be the Paul Daniels and Debbie… Continue reading
12 CommentsBalls and Miliband fail the credibility test
Eds Miliband and Balls gathered the press corps together this morning to broadcast a straightforward message: oh yes, we do have an alternative. And the shape of that alternative? A… Continue reading
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