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Hello and welcome to Political Thinking, a conversation with rather than a news interrogation

of someone who shapes our political thinking about what has shaped theirs.

My guess this week is an MP whose heroes have included Tony Ben, Arthur Scargill and Boris

Johnson.

He's a man who, depending on your point of view, tells it like it really is, or relishes

insulting those unable to fight back, whether it's telling people who are struggling

to make ends meet, that they should learn to shop cheaply and cook for themselves, nurses

that have got no need to use a food bank or refugee charities that are just as bad as

people smugglers.

He is Lee Anderson, former NUM member, minor labour counsellor, now proud MP for his hometown

of Ashfield in Nottinghamshire and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party.

It's been quite a journey.

Lee Anderson, welcome to Political Thinking.

You have not created a controversy for a few weeks now.

Have you been muted?

Have they caged you in this new job?

Well no, two weeks ago when I got the job, I was on a homophair select committee visit

to Uruguay on the legalisation of drugs and then I think the week after we were on recess.

So this is my first four week back.

Not been any controversies.

I don't think this week, but I keep looking at my phone for updates to see what I've said,

...