A great Prime Minister's early death Thursday, 11 July, 2024 Prime minister at the age of 24, the Younger Pitt died when he was 46 in 1806 after serving in the highest political office for eighteen years, a term exceeded in length only by Walpole. His health was never robust. It is well-known that he added to his problems by drinking heavily, and it is often said that drink killed him. Far from that being the case, the illness that proved fatal to him can... Articles
The passing of a remarkable man in war and peace 24th February 2023 Grateful tribute is due to Harry Shindler OBE, who died in Italy at the age of 101 on 21 February. He remained actively involved in public affairs until the... Recent News
Is the Home Office powerless in the face of police misconduct? 23rd February 2023 On 23 February, in a debate in the Lords on police and crime panels—bodies created in 2012 to scrutinise the work of police and crime commissioners—Alistair... Speeches
Who introduced old age pensions? 23rd February 2023 The usual answer—Lloyd George—is not correct, as Alistair Lexden explained in a letter published in The Daily Telegraph on 23 February. SIR -- Charles Moore... Articles
A new Swinton? 20th February 2023 It was reported recently that the Countess of Swinton had won a seat on her local council in North Yorkshire as a Lib Dem. Alistair Lexden, Conservative Party... Recent News
A superb political biographer 17th February 2023 In an obituary published in The Daily Telegraph on 17 February, Alistair Lexden looked back at the career of Richard Thorpe, the superb biographer of three... Articles
Does our school system need some fundamental reforms? 16th February 2023 That is the question that Alistair Lexden and cross-party colleagues in the Lords will be considering between now and November as members of a special education... Recent News
Veale: The Home Office's failure 7th February 2023 In the Lords on 6 February, Alistair Lexden continued his campaign to bring Mike Veale, the discredited police chief, to book. Since his vendetta against Sir... Speeches
A sensational gay scandal covered up by a Tory government 6th February 2023 The date was 1902. The Tory Government in question was led by Arthur Balfour. Its cover-up saved a rich Liberal peer and other prominent public figures from... Articles
Clean up the Met 2nd February 2023 There is no prospect of an early end to the scandals that have damaged public confidence in the Metropolitan Police so badly. The impressive new Commissioner... Recent NewsSpeeches