How badly does an MP have to behave before they get suspended? Helen and Stephen discuss the case of Sheffield Hallam MP Jared O'Mara and analyse the media kremlinology behind it. Then they look at the continuing problems with Universal Credit and explore its failures as a benefits system. Finally, they answer a question sent in by many listeners: could Nick Clegg return to Parliament?

Contact us on Twitter @ns_podcasts, @helenlewis or @stephenkb.

Further reading:

Mary Beard's 2013 interview with the New York Times about online abuse.

Stephen's article about Jared O'Mara.

Helen's column on Universal Credit.

SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:

⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2

LISTEN AD-FREE:

📱Download the New Statesman app

MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NS#241: MPs Behaving Badly