You read it here first 😎 from Playbook PM on February 19th

Michelle Obama says it’s bonkers to think by this time next week the East Midlands will have elected its first ever regional mayor

Fun fact: Dan Poulter writes a little column in the local newsletter for one of the villages in suffolk, where my mum lives, and it was truly the only politics I consumed when I was being looked after following my last ankle reconstruction

Two students escorted out by police after Pelosi finished talking

The Speaker is running late, one student tells the room: 'stay excited … I guess'

(check out tomorrow mornings playbook for my dispatch from Oxford 😎 )

NEW: Chancellor Jeremy Hunt visited Ukraine today, part of the UK beating the drum to allies re defence spending

He met Zelensky and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, says Treasury

But he’s pulled out of tomorrow’s press gallery lunch — a 40 min interview by loadsa hacks 😳

There’s going to be an APPG for short kings within the next 10 years

Pulitzer incoming

Nothing to make a vibe more uncomfortable than having to take off your belt when coming into PCH, then having to put it back on with a man holding a very large gun standing not 5 meters away

Writing today and tomorrow's London Playbook PM in the absence of Sir Emilio Casalicchio — DM or mail me with any gossip/requests etc

HUGE NEWS FROM THE TCS London Marathon!!!

19-year-old Lloyd Martin has just finished and has become the youngest ever person with Down’s Syndrome to complete a full marathon*!!! 🏃‍♂️

Lloyd is a legend and history maker - breaking down barriers - bravo. 👏

Going to be on the Times Radio politics hour from 5pm, I’m sure it’ll be as quiet and calm as politics always is 😌

'They say history is written by the victors, but that hasn’t stopped Liz Truss having a go.'

Brutal intro Noah Keate

politico.eu/article/liz-tr…

but how could I possibly choose

In a week where political gossip is a leading story with national consequences, it’s great to hear this panel on turning gossip into news. 📰