New Statesman investigates…

We want you to get involved in a first in British journalism by voting for the next New Statesman in

In recent years the New Statesman has developed an unrivalled reputation for investigative journalism. Whether it was Stephen Gray’s revelations about CIA rendition flights, Martin Bright’s string of stories exposing the link between the Foreign Office’s and radical Islamists or Chris Ames’s work on the government’s notorious dossier on weapons of mass destruction, the NS has a trackrecord of being there first.

Now we want to get you involved. In a unique experiment in British journalism we will be asking our readers to tell us what they believe our priorities should be.

We already have five areas we believe need investigating, but we also want your views. Please vote for the investigation you want us to pursue as a matter of priority, but also suggest your own if you believe we have missed out a crucial subject.

The five investigations we have in mind are as follows. Each has already been touched on by the New Statesman, so click on the links for background information.

- 1 Conservative Party Funding.

There has been an understandable focus on Labour Party donors, but with the Tories resurgent, should we take a close look at the funders of Cameron’s Conservative. Tory Party treasurer Lord Ashcroft effectively owns the party. Is this right? And what about other high value donors?

Conservative Party funding: “The Darker Side of Dave”

- 2 Lobbying.

What has the lobbying industry been up to since the “Drapergate” investigation 10 years ago? The field is now dominated by giant multinational PR companies, each with their own political arm. What is the influence of giant machines of influence such as Hill and Knowlton, Weber Shandwick and Brunswick?

Lobbying: “The Nuclear Charm Offensive”

- 3 Prince Charles.

How much influence does the heir to throne wield? How often does he intervene in Whitehall and why is he exempt from the Freedom of Information Act? Will Prince Charles stop his meddling in the areas of agriculture, architecture and education when he becomes king?

Prince Charles: “God Save the Queen Beware the Heir”

- 4 The State of British Childhood.

Why is it that British children always end up near the bottom of international “happiness” comparisons? Despite reports into cases of serious abuse such as Victoria Climbie, professionals still warn it could happen again. Do we need an investigation into the failure of our schools, police and social services in this area?

British Childhood: “A New Deal for British Children”

- 5 Asylum Crisis.

The government’s crackdown on asylum seekers means that many whose applications have failed are left destitute on the streets with no access to benefits. How can this be right in one of the richest countries in the world? Should the NS investigate this scandal?

Asylum Crisis: “Work and Amnesty are Answer to Asylum Disarray”