Carole Malone

Carole Malone argues that Nigel Farage’s decisive victory in the Clacton by-election strengthened rather than weakened him. She dismisses criticism of his decision not to attend the vote count, portrays rival candidates and mainstream parties as unserious or cowardly, and says Farage’s opponents avoided contesting the seat because they feared defeat. The column predicts that Reform UK will continue gaining support, particularly if Labour mishandles illegal immigration and its early-release policy.

Carole Malone argues that the University of Cambridge overlooked warnings and accepted disputed claims about Jason Arday because he was presented as a symbol of racial and class diversity. She alleges that claims about his athletic achievements, charitable fundraising, publications, volunteering and other experiences were fabricated or exaggerated, and says the episode exposed failures of academic scrutiny. The commentary concludes that prioritising diversity over fairness and knowledge damaged Cambridge's reputation and disadvantaged other students, while noting that Arday's mental-health problems appear genuine.

Carole Malone argues that Andy Burnham could have done more to prevent the early release of Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were convicted in the killing of police officer Andrew Harper. She portrays Burnham's review as a largely performative gesture that raised false hopes for Harper's family before accepting the prisoners' release on capacity grounds. The commentary calls for full-term sentences, rapid construction of additional prison capacity, and the deportation of foreign national prisoners, while rejecting reliance on electronic tagging, probation supervision, returns agreements and human-rights rules. It concludes that the early-release policy reflects poor planning and undermines justice for victims.

The opinion column argues that Andy Burnham should abandon the UK's net zero targets and green-energy subsidies, while supporting additional North Sea drilling. It claims that net zero measures have raised energy costs without meaningfully affecting global warming, blames China for offsetting UK emissions reductions, and calls for investment in air conditioning, water infrastructure, forests and fields to help Britain adapt to hotter weather. The piece strongly attacks Ed Miliband and Miatta Fahnbullah while endorsing Kemi Badenoch's criticism of current climate policy.

Carole Malone condemns Green Party leader Zack Polanski for sharing an image of a guillotine T-shirt bearing the slogan “We’re only making plans for Nigel,” which she says implied the assassination of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. She rejects Polanski’s explanation that he did not realize what the post contained and criticizes the Green Party, including deputy leader Rachel Millward, for treating its deletion as sufficient. The commentary emphasizes Farage’s reported death threats and the timing of the post after the alleged brutal killing of Ann Widdecombe, arguing that Polanski should be held accountable by police and removed as Green Party leader.

The editorial argues that Andy Burnham should prioritize preventing the early release of rapists, violent criminals, and paedophiles rather than pursuing other political projects. It condemns the strain on the prison system, highlights the case of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, and calls for rapid expansion through temporary prisons, converted facilities, and the removal of foreign criminals. It concludes that protecting victims and the public should take precedence over devolution or plans for a new Manchester government headquarters.

The commentary argues that Andy Burnham’s new cabinet appointments reveal poor judgment, claiming only John Healey’s placement as Chancellor is credible while other positions are filled with individuals portrayed as unqualified or tainted by past controversies. It criticizes appointments including Angela Rayner, Louise Haigh, Jonathan Reynolds, Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband, asserting they lack competence or integrity. The piece contends Burnham is focused on minor social issues instead of major national challenges such as debt, immigration and defence, and portrays him as unprepared to govern and overly influenced by outdated political narratives.

Germany’s plan to require benefit claimants to perform community work is praised as a model for the UK, framed against criticism of Britain’s welfare culture and Labour leadership. Additional commentary spans entertainment, climate research disputes, football performance, royal family controversies, and parliamentary recesses, often delivered with sharply critical or satirical tone.

The column defends Queen Camilla and JK Rowling from criticism over a photograph together, arguing that younger generations and trans activists are intolerant of differing views. It praises Rowling as a defender of women’s rights and criticises cultural sensitivity, university attitudes and modern interpretations of Shakespeare. The piece attacks Andy Burnham’s image and political approach, challenges Labour gender balance demands, and highlights declining support for the Green Party under Zak Polanski. Several public figures are mocked or condemned, with strong emphasis on traditional views and criticism of progressive politics.

Prince Harry is criticised for cancelling a planned multi‑day visit to the UK after being denied taxpayer-funded police protection, reducing his trip to just 24 hours and likely excluding his children from meeting King Charles. The piece argues that his security concerns are exaggerated, driven by ego, and used as leverage against his family, while noting growing frustration and distrust within the Royal Family, who reportedly avoided meeting him to prevent further conflict.

Argues that Andy Burnham’s proposals for nationwide devolution are unrealistic, uncosted and rooted in outdated ideas, warning that devolution has already harmed Scotland and Wales and that replicating it would weaken national governance. Criticises Burnham’s political experience, avoidance of media scrutiny and failure to address major national issues such as debt, immigration and defence. Predicts he will struggle as a national leader and contends that creating a second power base in the North would be costly, ineffective and driven by populism rather than sound policy.