I salute the new independent MPs – here is my advice to them
Martin Bell
As a former independent, I know the challenges involved. But the ‘gang of 11’ are also remainers’ last hope of salvation, says Martin Bell
May 2015
Former civil service chief questions Cameron's claim of Miliband 'con trick'
PM’s questioning of legitimacy of Labour government that would rely on support of SNP contradicted by former cabinet secretary Lord O’Donnell
February 2015
Sturgeon: Labour must break 'cosy consensus' on austerity to win over SNP
Scotland first minster calls for more moderate approach to tackling deficit before speech attacking austerity agenda
February 2013
Lord Rennard: low profile belied his influence on British politics
Starting in his home city of Liverpool, the feared campaigner masterminded a string of byelection victories and national gains
May 2010
From the Guardian archive
From the archive, 17 May 2001: Election turns ugly: Prescott throws a punch
What the papers say
General election results in Guardian front pages, 1945-2005
April 2010
Wintour and Watt blog
Gordon Brown's election car crash provides Labour with its most dangerous moment of the campaign
Prime minister's description of lifelong Labour supporter as bigot highlights character flaws
Labour loses fight for policy over personality
Labour tried, and failed, over the weekend to persuade Tories and Lib Dems to put pressure on broadcasters to focus less on personalities in their election reporting
Second leaders' debate: Fighting talk fails to convince former servicemen
Ex-service personnel, leaders of veterans' groups and relatives of servicemen reflect on debate
December 2009
Liven up the election with headline bingo
Rafael Behr
In the run-up to the election, Rafael Behr offers a preview of the political columns we are bound to read in the months ahead
August 2003
Campbell's top spins
Alastair Campbell's decision to step down as the prime minister's spokesman will see few tears shed, except by Tony Blair. Here's a selection of some of Mr Campbell's best - and worst - spin doctoring.
November 2002
Final cost of 2001 election revealed
Last year's general election cost a total of £40m, new figures released today disclose.
