Cameron: practically a Conservative, By Francis Elliott

This invaluable mid-term report, re-issued as the former golden boy has lost his lustre, updates a rounded portrait first published in 2007.

The fresh material makes clear the deep shock of failure (to win a majority) in 2010, and the ad hoc mess of the early Coalition. Recent crises – Murdoch and hacking; stubborn recession; Libya and Europe – are scrutinised to show that "Flashman", the easily-rattled top dog, can lack drive and focus. Our PM has "failed to provide a convincing answer to the question of why he pursues power".