Politics

“If there was ever a time to close the gap between groups of people across New Zealand in different positions, it is now."

“Trust has actually worsened and degraded throughout the process that I actually think, I’m afraid to say, that you could sweep away the good community element of the beginning of it.”

“After a series of sustained opinion poll findings indicating majority support for independence, this large poll demonstrates the scale of the momentum and the factors which are driving people from No to Yes."

Sturgeon said: "It is unacceptable that somebody in her position flagrantly disregarded the rules like that and I cannot be clearer about that. It is not acceptable and she should resign.”

“Mr Jenrick has made an unfortunate habit of overruling officials’ advice to get his own way, just as he did during the Westferry cash-for-favours scandal. Now he has done the same with this blatant example of pork-barrel politics."

“I don’t think that you give people more power and influence and share of wealth by tearing up the United Kingdom."

"I called it #TheWeekInTory, when in reality I am having to do one every 2 days. Anyway, grab a pint of Laudanum, hide any sharp objects, and dive in…"

It comes after MPs were given an extra £10,000 expenses allowance to meet home-working costs for themselves and their staff.

The appointment emphasises yet again that the top tier of political journalists are "very chummy with the politicians".