New Statesman

The New Statesman is a British political and cultural news magazine published in London. Founded in 1913 by Sidney and Beatrice Webb with support from George Bernard Shaw, it began as a weekly review of politics and literature. The magazine was closely linked to the socialist Fabian Society in its early years. Kingsley Martin served as editor for three decades, from 1930 to 1960. Today, it operates as a print–digital hybrid with a modern liberal and progressive stance. The current editor is Tom McTague, who took over in 2025. The magazine has played a significant role in British intellectual and political life. It published works by major figures such as John Maynard Keynes, Bertrand Russell, Virginia Woolf, and Christopher Hitchens. The nickname "The Staggers" emerged from Oxford slang and is now used for its politics blog. Its circulation peaked in the mid-1960s at 93,000, though it faced challenges in later decades. By 2020, its website attracted four million distinct users and 27 million page views. The magazine also launched New Statesman America in 2018. Visitors to the New Statesman find a publication with deep historical roots and a progressive outlook. The magazine’s offices in London reflect its ongoing influence in political and cultural debates. Its pages continue to feature new and established writers, maintaining a tradition of literary and political engagement. The "Weekly Competition" remains a notable feature, inviting reader submissions. The magazine’s digital presence complements its print edition, reaching a global audience. Its legacy includes shaping Labour politics and fostering critical discussions on foreign policy.