Housebuilding has collapsed. House sales are projected to fall. Under Labour, the dream of owning your own home is slipping away. That’s why we need to scrap Stamp Duty. It isn’t just a tax, it’s a barrier. Its gums up the market and hits economic growth.

Just to be clear, Labour think that 16 & 17 year olds are old enough to vote….. BUT Not old enough to (checks notes) drink alcohol free drinks! telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/…

Last week we joined Gravetye Manor's Head Gardener Tom Coward, walking the garden alongside our own Head Gardener, Mark Bobin. Among softened borders, they spoke of winter as a season when structure, scent and subtle detail come into focus. Watch here: bit.ly/4qlMO8B

So much for Steve Reed saying “Build baby build” Under Labour “growth” is actually flatlining and the construction sector is shrinking. The Conservatives plan to #ScrapStampDuty will help kickstart the home-building sector.

Support our campaign to #ScrapStampDuty conservatives.com/scrap-stamp-du…

I was going to post about Robert Jenrick, but Nigel Farage beat me to it.

Hellebores are stirring, their buds pushing through the soil to paint the Garden in shades of ivory, plum, dusky rose and green. Their flowers are long lasting, as what appear to be petals are in fact sepals, allowing the blooms hold their beauty for months.

My main takeaway from the Jenrick/Reform move is this: The people who were denouncing each other days or weeks ago are now praising each other to the heavens. They are willing to say anything and then shift their position. You can’t believe or trust anything any of them say.

Camellias are advancing well with their flowering. In four weeks time, 14th February, you’ll be able to enjoy them Borde Hill Garden where there are 80 varieties to be discovered! #camellias #camelliashrubs #pinkcamellias #rcm_group #gardenisopeningsoon #bordehillgarden

We are seeking both a Senior Gardener and a part-time Gardener. These roles are for those who find joy in working with the land, where thoughtful horticulture, care for a historic landscape and attention to detail sit side by side: bit.ly/4bAMleb

From the Italian Garden, the land opens gently into winter. Clipped box and softened grasses hold their shape, while beyond, the South Park stretches wide, trees etched against a pale sky. On a Sunday morning, this view feels like an invitation to slow the pace.

Today is Blue Monday, but in the Garden blue tells a different story. It's the depth of a winter sky, the calm of cold air, and the patience of flowers waiting to bloom. Perhaps today can be an invitation to move slowly, reflect, and to look ahead with a sense of anticipation.

This is a humiliating shambles from the government. A huge majority but no plan, a Prime Minister in office but with no authority. It would be funny if times weren’t so serious.

Tim Stanley Tim I think that group feels particularly betrayed by Jenrick. He was one of them, a Cameroon, part of the Osborne “stable”, idolised Ken Clarke, campaigned for Remain etc. Then suddenly in 2024 Rob denounced them and everything they believe in.

We’re launching a campaign today that's all about promoting kindness, respect and building a supportive community. At this time of year, many people may feel low. We're reminding everyone that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Find more: midsussex.gov.uk/promoting-kind…

We’re proud to support the launch of the first US undergraduate degree in Quantum Systems Engineering. Read more here: universalquantum.com/knowledge-hub/… #QuantumComputing #QuantumEngineering #STEM

This Labour Government has moved seamlessly from arrogance, to incompetence, and now to cowardice. 3.7 million people are being denied the right to vote. The May 2026 local elections should go ahead.

Shortly after the UQ from our Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride on Business Rates, the CPF held a packed all-member call looking at how we can support our hospitality sector...with Nigel Huddleston MP, UKHospitality, Cllr Ruby Sampson, Connor Donnithorne, chair Selaine Saxby. Watch this space 👀

This Labour government is desperate to please Beijing in the hope that Chinese money will bail them out of their self-made economic mess. Overturning the local planning rejection for the Chinese Embassy is the latest example of this.

Starmer wants to go to Beijing with this planning approval in hand, hoping that Xi Jingping will reward him. This is diplomatically naive and reinforces his perceived weakness in the eyes of world leaders.