With the Conservative Party now a shadow of its former self, Melissa Todd explores its previous peaks and troughs - and what the future could hold…

Could the government’s vision for our railways signal a new era for public transport and train travel in this country, asks our columnist?

Are vandals who etch their initials on our historic monuments going to be fêted in years to come, asks our columnist.

Labour’s victory, electoral reform, our over-reliance on imports and building on farmland are among the topics tackled on this week’s letters page.

While holidaying in Cornwall, Secret Thinker considers why our south-west counterparts have been “far more successful” in attracting tourists.

A lack of cash is turning education and schools into businesses, fears our columnist, when they should be in nothing but the business of education.

Political editor Paul Francis examines how affiliation with teams or athletes can work in politicians’ favour - and when it can go drastically wrong.

Our columnist recalls getting bashed by a 1966 World Cup hero and a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in Kent.

After the Conservatives’ bruising defeat, Melissa Todd outlines her hopes for the new government - and what the rise of Reform could mean in future.

With the general election behind us, this week’s letters page tackles topics including electoral reform, apathy and challenges facing the government.

Older people can sometimes spout ‘un-PC’ sentiments that make the youth of today wince - but should their views be challenged, asks Secret Thinker…

Labour proposes homes on the ‘grey belt’ but - asks our columnist - what will stop landowners letting their green land deteriorate so they can sell?

The Conservatives will be taking stock after a battering at the polls - so what now for the slimmed-down party, asks Paul Francis.

Our columnist reflects on finding his pets mauled to death by a regular visitor to our gardens.

The general election, freedom of speech, taxing the rich, catapult laws and smoking are among topics tackled on this week’s letters page.

Summer finally (and briefly) arrived last week, along with a whole lot of moaning - but Secret Thinker says there’s a reason we can’t handle the heat.

Calls from some Conservatives for a Covid fine amnesty has angered our columnist, who says it shows disregard for all those who stuck to the rules.

Despite polls indicating huge victories for Labour, it’s never a good look for politicians to be overly confident about results, writes Paul Francis.

As the sun shines, our coastal towns are bracing for another wave of rubbish to be left - but are we forgetting one significant culprit?

With one week to go until the general election, readers give their views on the choices on offer on polling day in this week’s letters to the editor.