Jonathan Jones

Excellent appointment

(Had just seen this)

Update

Is there an award for the most annoying advert? Can I nominate Domino-hoo-hoo?

Interesting idea from David Howarth on “how to become a republic”.

Abolishing the Lord Chancellor turned out to more complicated than people thought - to the extent that we still have one

David’s idea for the monarch is simpler - keep all the same functions, just have them done by someone else

One day I’ll show you my royal warrant. (That is not meant to be as seedy as it may seem)

I speak as a former HM Procurator General. But that was real power

On the other hand - ok you can be Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornchester, or Lord Keeper of the Privy Chamber, or Advocate General in Ordinary (etc)

Spring in Ely. For one day at least

Spring in Ely. For one day at least

The Representation of the People Bill: contours of the debates to come The government’s long-awaited proposals for electoral reforms, published last month, will receive their first scrutiny in the House of Commons next Monday. Ahead of that debate, Alan Renwick analys…

*Representation of the People Bill update*

Steve Reed has just announced: 'We will repeal in full the power for government to impose a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission'.

A very welcome change. I set out last week why it was needed.

constitution-unit.com/2026/02/26/t...

Legal advice typically deals with possible contrary arguments/risks/downsides. A statement of “legal position” is more like a pleading - setting out the best case. In the past governments have been keen to say that the latter are NOT to be taken as summaries of the actual advice

Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks

Legal advice re use of UK bases for attacks on Iranian missile bases now published www.gov.uk/government/n...

The real lesson to take from Gorton and Denton is for the future of UK democracy | Institute for Government Westminster is dangerously underprepared for a multi-party future.

Everyone is analysing the implications of the byelection for Keir Starmer and Labour but the most important lessons are for democracy - my latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gort...

Well they tried!

It was very successful. We should have a Durham CocktailFest!

I promised something green

This is a Vertini

Hendricks gin, mix of lemon/lime juice & syrup muddled with mint and cucumber

Though I say so myself it should win by a landslide

Do report back!

I made it up. But with luck they will have the ingredients

I promised something green

This is a Vertini

Hendricks gin, mix of lemon/lime juice & syrup muddled with mint and cucumber

Though I say so myself it should win by a landslide

Maybe a green cocktail this evening.
My sole comment on the by-election

‘Excellent choice’: Six ex-cab secs back Antonia Romeo pick Former civil service bosses praise Romeo’s track record after Starmer appoints her to top job

Robin Butler, Richard Wilson, Andrew Turnbull, Gus O’Donnell, Mark Sedwill and Simon Case said: “We believe that Dame Antonia Romeo is an excellent choice as cabinet secretary"
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...

Here you go again

BREAKING: Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Government considers removing Andrew from royal line of succession The former Duke of York is eighth in line to the throne meaning he remains eligible to be King.

Uk government considers legislation to remove Andrew from the line of royal succession
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

There is much madness out there, but some pockets of sanity - and always cocktails

Here is a whisky ginger lime smash

(Not the most imaginative name, but I did indeed smash bourbon, limes, root ginger + simple syrup, dash of lemon bitters)

Yes but always a variant on existing recipes

There is much madness out there, but some pockets of sanity - and always cocktails

Here is a whisky ginger lime smash

(Not the most imaginative name, but I did indeed smash bourbon, limes, root ginger + simple syrup, dash of lemon bitters)

A prediction from Mystic Jones:
The monarchy will survive: William and in time George will be king

In case relevant …