Daniel Finkelstein in the Times explains why the Tories should not be rude about "bureaucrats".
Hamish McRae in the Independent says that, for the last 10 years, Labour has tried to improve public services by spending much more money on them and that "most of us now recognise that this experiment has failed".
Meanwhile, Simon Tilford at the Centre for European Reform suggests that the British are becoming "the new French" in relation to public spending.
Sue Cameron in the Financial Times says that Sir Gus O'Donnell, the cabinet secretary, decided not to hold an inquiry into who leaked Damian McBride's emails because he had so many enemies in Downing Street that there would have been "at least 70 suspects".
Tim Shipman and Kirsty Walker in the Daily Mail say that Gordon Brown is ready to sack Jacqui Smith and Hazel Blears in the next reshuffle.
PoliticsHome reveals that Alan Johnson is the clear winner when Westminster insiders are asked which alternative Labour leader would represent the greatest threat to the Tories.
