There is probably no organisation on earth that would come up smelling only of roses if its underbelly were picked over as exhaustively as the BBC's editorial processes have been in the wake of the Jimmy Savile affair.

I’m instinctively well disposed to James Purnell’s attempts to bolster public support for the welfare state. But I can’t help noticing that he sounds quite muddled on the subject.

His Icarus-style descent isn't fair. One of the good guys, he doesn't deserve the unthinking demonisation in which too many of us have lazily indulged

Half a million people who currently claim sickness benefits are fit to start work immediately, a minister has suggested.

A group called Blue Labour want to combine social conservatism with leftist economics

The man of the moment?

The maiden speeches of new Commons arrivals reveal promising wit and entertaining Europhobia

The most important issue facing voters is the handling of the economy

The decision of one of its stars to quit politics suggests that Labour is facing a crisis of self-confidence

Purnell moved on from the Blair era, arguing that New Labour was paralysed by caution

As Labour unveils ‘A future fair for all’ campaign slogan, former minister tipped as future leader shocks party

Former Cabinet minister James Purnell will stand down from Parliament at the general election, he announced today.

Practical politicians raise taxpayer money. Romantics just sing along to John Lennon

David Miliband seemed to have flunked his final chance to go for the top job, but his long-term chances are unscathed