In what is a real coup for his excellent site, British conservative blogger Tim Montgomerie has persuaded the controversial Chairman of the Conservative Party, Francis Maude, to contribute regular commentary on his site. His first contribution won’t make much sense to those not deeply invested in the current leadership campaign, but it’s quite remarkable that such a powerful figure is using a third-party blog to advance his case in a very personal and direct style. Some might think senior politicans over here could learn from this example, but I couldn’t possibly comment.

Tim has also persuaded Michael Gove MP, possibly the brightest and wittiest of young conservative politicians anywhere, to write for him about the David Cameron leadership campaign. Those contributions should be worth keeping an eye out for. Paul Goodman MP, former op/ed editor of the Daily Telegraph and no slouch himself, will be doing the same for the David Davis campaign. Jolly good show, Tim.