Eddie Izzard MP: Britain’s greatest absurdist on his very big decision

In this issue…Eddie Izzard, the brilliant Catherine Wheel of surrealism, considers a punt at Parliament or Boris’ seat as London Mayor. There is also chat of Nazi death rays, Spitfire dogfights, all manner of science, linguistics, espionage and his time playing Robert Watson-Watt, the RADAR pioneer. A breathless read.

Also this week…

Our Letter To My Younger Self is a belter. It’s with Alison Steadman (she can be properly considered a national treasure, can’t she) and she is by turns reflective then incredibly open about fears she feels, a depression that grips and parts of the past that she wishes she could reclaim.

John Bird is in a birthday mood. It’s coming up on 23 years since The Big Issue was launched and the boss looks back at lives changed and those still to work with.

Meanwhile, as the horrors of Rotherham continue to be revealed, Alfie Moore, a police sergeant turned comedian, considers Shaun Wright’s future and aims both barrels at the office of Police And Crime Commissioners everywhere, wondering what is the point of the role.

Ellie Simmonds has the coveted My Week spot. She calls out David Walliams.

Think you could make it as a football manager? Doncaster Rovers/Leyton Orient fan (it’s confusing) and editor of Kerrang! magazine James McMahon does. He has been writing offering his services to every club when they part company with their man for months. He explains why – and their response.

Our featured vendor telling their story in My Pitch is Rodney Lyall, who works in Bournemouth. He’s beating booze, studying and is a man of great faith in God. Things are looking up for Rodney.