It's true that I'm taking a break from writing a regular column to do other things but it's got nothing to do with what dear Simon has or has not written.

For the first half of this century, High Court judges have been cautious to the point of timidity in expressing any criticism of governmental action; the independence of the judiciary has been of a decidedly subordinate character.

In real terms, there is a greater disparity of earnings between the very rich and the very poor.

I think it's a pity that in many people's minds constitutional reform and PR have come to mean much the same thing.

A majority in all parties do, I think, want to see local government recover its old vigour and independence.

We want a system that will improve consistency and steadiness in the quality of government.

If life was what you made of it, then it could not be made for you.