80 minutes ago The week in audio: Origin Story: Russell Brand – Confidence Man; Lost Notes: Groupies; The Lion, the Witch and the Wonder – review

Brand’s strange journey from darling of the left to cancelled crank makes for an informed podcast, while a power imbalance impairs rock groupies’ tales. Plus, writer Katherine Rundell on the power of children’s fictionOrigin Story: Russell Brand – Confidence Man (Podmasters)Lost Notes: Groupies: Women of the Sunset Strip from the Pill to Punk (KCRW)The Lion, the Witch and the Wonder (Radio 4) | BBC SoundsOrigin Story, a podcast about understanding politics (topics covered: centrism, George Orwell, No 10, among others), has just launched its sixth series. The opening episode is a 90-minute show on that renowned political powerhouse Russell Brand. Which may seem odd, but hosts Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey use Brand in a way, you could argue, that Brand has used others: as a means of gettin...

Politics

1 hour ago Pussycat Dolls star Kaya Jones says the powerful men on Diddy list are the same 'suits' who abused her

Former Pussycat Dolls member Kaya Jones said music executives who enabled Sean 'Diddy' Combs and knew about his alleged criminal operation also should be held accountable.

Events

2 hours ago Former top judge demands help for prisoners ‘left to rot’ under ‘morally wrong’ indefinite jail terms

Exclusive: John Thomas, who was once Britain’s most senior judge, has said IPP jail terms are ‘inherently unfair’ as he backs The Independent’s call for a review

Events

2 hours ago Macron’s business policies made him ‘president of the rich’. Rachel Reeves, beware | Phillip Inman

The chancellor rightly wants to stimulate the economy by boosting growth. But she would be unwise to do it at the expense of the poorestThere is a danger that Labour will suffer the Macron effect when the budget is unveiled at the end of the month. Emmanuel Macron, who was first elected president of France in 2017, put business investment and building a culture of entrepreneurialism at the top of his to-do list – only to be condemned later as a friend of the rich.Rachel Reeves speaks a similar language when she says economic growth is her priority and that business people should be offered more support than even the Tories were prepared to countenance. Continue reading...

Politics

2 hours ago ‘Abrasive’ Kemi Badenoch urged to play nice to secure Conservative leadership

Supporters offer advice to get the favourite over the line, gambling she can unite the party and restore Tory fortunesSupporters of Kemi Badenoch have urged her to rein in her confrontational style to clinch the Tory leadership, with some Conservative MPs concluding they need to take “a big gamble” to restore their party’s fortunes as they replace Rishi Sunak.The shadow communities secretary emerged from the only scheduled televised debate on GB News last week with most MPs believing she is still the favourite in what remains a close contest with Robert Jenrick. Party members have until the end of the month to cast their vote. Continue reading...

Politics

3 hours ago BBC Strictly Come Dancing Live updates: Paul Merson given bad news before live show

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One tonight after a chaotic week for the show

Politics

3 hours ago 'My daughter's name is poetic and strong – but my family say I've cursed her'

A mum asked the internet for advice after the 'poetic, strong, and unique' name she chose for her baby was slammed by her family - as they say she's 'cursed' her daughter

Politics

3 hours ago Life in the UK's cheapest 'seaside town' where homes on market for £10k

Residents have spoken about their surprise that their area is on a list of the cheapest seaside towns.

Economics

4 hours ago Former Playboy bunny says Diddy used Hugh Hefner's 'formula' for parties

Precious Muir sat down with Daily Mail's The Trial of Diddy podcast to give the inside details behind her experiences at both Diddy's and Hefner's sex-filled parties.

Politics