ContentsOctober2011

Features The top ten reputations made and lost at conference 31 Those moments when hair stood up on the back of necks and you covered your eyes and ears – we include our favourite times from conferences past when politicians have either seen their stock soar or their careers nose-dive State of play 44 Three experts summarise the state of the Lib Dems, Labour and Conservative parties ahead of their respective conferences: what can they be proud of and what work remains ahead? The 2011 Total Politics Blog Awards 54 The results are in and we reveal the top 50 UK political blogs In conversation with Quentin Letts 62 The Daily Mail’s sketchwriter is one of the most acerbic observers in Britain. Who is catching his eye for conference season and why does he dislike John Bercow so much? Iain Dale finds out Tim Farron 68 Amber Elliott joins the new darling of the Lib Dems on his constituency tour to discover his ambitions, the strength of his opposition to Conservative policies and how he deals with abuse Angela Eagle 72 The shadow chief secretary to the Treasury explains how she was never in tune with New Labour, what Labour’s economic alternative is and scaring Danny Alexander Tony Benn 74 The Labour legend believes Labour is at a crossroads. Does the party want a transformation of society or is it happy with micromanagement? Des Swayne 76 He is David Cameron’s trusted link with the Conservative Party in Parliament. Des Swayne opens up to Rob Wilson about telling the PM how it really is, plotting and scheming and being inspired by Robert Maxwell

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Total Politics | October 2011 | 3