Best of the Spectator

First: a look ahead to President Trump’s state visit next week

Transatlantic tensions are growing as the row over Peter Mandelson’s role provides an ominous overture to Donald Trump’s state visit next week. Political editor Tim Shipman has the inside scoop on how No. 10 is preparing. Keir Starmer’s aides are braced for turbulence. ‘The one thing about Trump which is entirely predictable is his unpredictability,’ one ventures. And government figures fear he may go off message on broadcast – he is scheduled to be interviewed by GB News.

It is rare for leaders to receive a second visit, especially those in their second term. But, as Tim says, ‘Britishness is fashionable in Washington’ and no-one likes ‘royal treatment’ more than Trump. So, can Starmer take advantage of the President’s ‘love of the deal’? Tim joins the podcast to discuss.

Next: why are historical figures being labelled neurodiverse?

A new biography of Margaret Thatcher has provoked much discussion by claiming that Britain’s former Prime Minister was autistic. The proof for such a claim rests on the Iron Lady’s (supposed) lack of a sense of humour, a lack of feeling embarrassed and a tendency to see the world in black and white. 

But is there a danger in reappraising historical and political figures, particularly when it comes to personal traits? Historians – and frequent Spectator contributors – Robert Tombs and John Keiger joined the podcast to give their verdict.

And finally: is everyone on Ozempic?

One of the Spectator’s writers, under the pseudonym Henrietta Harding, headed out on what she terms ‘Ozempic safari’ – spotting the ‘Mounjaro Mummies’ as they drop off their children at school. ‘We know what to look for’, she says, ‘sunken faces, slightly wasted arms and, of course, envy-inducing weight loss’.

But the school gates aren’t the only place Ozempic seems to have taken hold. Westminster is awash with politicians who have suspiciously slimmer fitting suits – but why? Associate editor Toby Young and deputy political editor James Heale join the podcast to make sense of the trend for trim.

Plus: As President Xi re-emerges, Francis Pike asks who’s really in charge in China?

Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.