On this week's You Ask Us episode of the The New Statesman: Are there any Tory MPs who wouldn’t be accepted into the Labour Party?

We answer all your defection-related questions - with me, Hannah Barnes and special guest David Gauke

shows.acast.com/6b2fc9ba-b9b7-…

Entirely hypothetically, what are the chances of success for a marriage where one person *hates* clutter and untidiness and 'stuff', and the other finds a CD they didn't even buy and have no way of playing and thinks 'excellent, I'll keep that, might be useful one day'

It’s also a story about politics – “Nazi furries” (who wear “pawstika” armbands), the far right, the polarisation of American culture.

🖊️ Rachel Cunliffe on Fur and Loathing
newstatesman.com/culture/radio-…

Still, not everyone is convinced about Jenrick’s chances of being the next Conservative leader. When asked about his prospects an MP from the centre of the party simply responded “LOL”.

🖊️ Rachel Cunliffe newstatesman.com/politics/uk-po…

Oh dear, I think it is time for a fact check.

Are the Welsh Government really teaching 'sex education to 3 year-olds?

Let's find out!

[Thread]

Sudden mass conversion to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

(Have YOU been touched by his noodly appendages?)

Apropos of nothing, I was reminded of this video this morning and I just want to re-share it with the world

“The Home Office radicalised him... He’s seen up close how dysfunctional our immigration system is.”

My profile of One-Nation-Sunak-ally turned right-wing firebrand Robert Jenrick, and his bid to be the next Conservative leader

For The New Statesman

newstatesman.com/politics/uk-po…

A week since I tripped over on the parliamentary terrace, went head over heels, skinned my knee to the bone and made 5 armed police very concerned indeed.

I have developed a newfound appreciation for the wonder that is skin. Brilliant stuff. You only notice it when it’s gone…

Who gassed the Midwest FurFest?

If you're not yet hooked on Nicky Woolf's latest podcast, Fur And Loathing, you should be.

And not just because it gave me the chance to talk about Furries in the The New Statesman this week

newstatesman.com/culture/radio-…

Jokes a-plenty in PMQs today - but none of that will be of any comfort to the victims of serious crime or those locked up in dangerous overcrowded prisons.

My review

newstatesman.com/politics/the-s…

“The Home Office radicalised him... He’s seen up close how dysfunctional our immigration system is.”

My profile of One-Nation-Sunak-ally turned right-wing firebrand Robert Jenrick, and his bid to be the next Conservative leader

For The New Statesman

newstatesman.com/politics/uk-po…

Operation Early Dawn.

A study in government incompetence:

‘Tough on crime!’
‘More police officers!’
‘Bobbies on the beat!’
‘More arrests and charging decisions!’
‘Remand them!’
‘… JESUS, DONT REMAND THAT MANY WE ARENT MADE OF PRISON SPACES.’

Pretty rubbish performance from both Starmer and Sunak there. No-score draw

This just got raised in PMQs! Career highlight

And they did!

If you read one thing today, make it this. Just don’t read it over lunch