QUENTIN LETTS: What's Burnham trying to hide by banning your sketch writer from his big speech? Maybe it's that, behind the eyelashes, there's nothing but scented air…

Burnham's team has sparked controversy by barring a sketch writer from attending his major speech, raising questions about what they might be trying to conceal. This move, while allowing regular reporters to attend, excludes those who provide more critical or satirical coverage, hinting at a potential lack of confidence in handling tough questions. This incident underscores broader concerns about transparency and free speech in political communications, suggesting Burnham's camp may be more defensive than previously thought.