Staff report ‘massive’ increase in pensioner shoplifters
Shoplifting among pensioners has seen a significant rise, attributed to the increasing cost of living, according to retail security firm Kingdom Security.
John Nussbaum, director of service for retail at the firm, noted a shift in the demographic of shoplifters, stating that cost-of-living pressures are “pushing people to something they’ve never done before.”
Kingdom Security, which provides services to hundreds of UK stores including supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls, reports a weekly influx of 20 to 30 shoplifting incidents nationwide. These incidents, according to Nussbaum, involve “people who just can’t afford to buy food.”
This suggests a concerning trend of individuals resorting to theft out of economic necessity.
He said: “We’ve seen a massive increase in pensioners shoplifting, putting a jar of coffee in their bag and one in the trolley, that sort of thing.
“For us over the last 12 months, we’ve got this different level of crime now. We’re now experiencing something different – pensioners, people who don’t normally shoplift.
“We’ve had instances of mothers caught shoplifting when they’re with their kids.
“We’re used to seeing the organised gangs, that’s the norm, but the types of people being caught now has changed.”
He estimated that 5% of all those caught shoplifting by Kingdom staff on a weekly basis were aged over 50.
“We’ve not seen this before, and I’ve been in security for 30 years. Ten years ago, five years ago, you wouldn’t have seen this kind of theft. We put it down to the cost of living. People can’t afford to spend £10, £20 on food. It’s desperation.”
He added: “Retailers don’t tend to involve the police when they’re dealing with pensioners. Stores tend to want to handle it on their own.
“It’s not good publicity for a supermarket if it got out that a pensioner had been handed over to the police for shoplifting.”
Mr Nussbaum’s comments follow figures showing that the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales in a year has passed half a million for the first time.
A total of 516,971 offences were logged by forces in 2024, up 20% from 429,873 in 2023.
The figure is the highest since current police recording practices began in the year to March 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Shoplifting offences have been running at record levels for the past two years and have seen a “sharp rise” since the Covid-19 pandemic, the ONS said.
Additionally, Mr Nussbaum said, staff were seeing “terrible violence now, every day” from organised gangs, with one employee punched in the face just this week and those working at a shopping centre north of London wearing stabproof vests.
He said: “It’s not unusual to come across guns on site.
“We carried out a big operation with police to clean up the city centre, which included the shopping centre. We found knives, drugs – there’s a lot of drug-dealing going on.
“We have a quick response unit for one of our bigger retailers which can get to places very quickly and is highly trained for a variety of incidents and safeguarding.
“But you have to remember that retail staff also have to deal with this every day.”
He said: “There’s no fear any more.
“If someone gets arrested they might get a fine or spend a night in jail. There’s no deterrent any more. There’s nothing to stop these people.
“We’ve had prolific shoplifters who get arrested and they’re back two days later. We have this quite a lot.”
Mr Nussbaum said he supported facial recognition technology being trialled by Asda at five of its Greater Manchester stores, involving customers’ faces, picked up on CCTV, being scanned and compared against individuals on an internal watchlist.
The watchlist, compiled by Asda, is made up of individuals staff suspect have been involved in “theft, violence and/or fraud in Asda stores”, although they may not be convicted of any crime.
Home Bargains, Southern Co-op, Budgens, Costcutter and several independent convenience stores use similar technology.
Mr Nussbaum said: “Facial recognition is brilliant and more retailers should do it. Anything that aids identifying shoplifters, organised gangs, people who could be violent is a good thing.”
Buy-to-let hotspots revealed as landlords look north
Buy-to-let investors are increasingly looking north, drawn by higher yields and lower purchase prices, according to new research. A recent study by Hamptons reveals a significant shift in investment patterns, with northern England and the Midlands becoming prime targets for landlords.
Nearly 39% of buy-to-let properties purchased in Britain during the first four months of 2025 were located in these regions, a marked increase from 24% in 2007 and 34% in 2022. This northward migration is attributed to several factors, including the impact of stamp duty costs and lower rental yields in southern England.
The average price paid by investors in the Midlands and North this year was £150,480, significantly less than the £292,240 average paid by landlords in the South. This substantial price difference, coupled with potentially higher rental yields, makes the North and Midlands an increasingly attractive proposition for buy-to-let investors seeking better returns. The trend suggests a growing disparity in the UK property market, with investment increasingly focused on areas offering greater affordability and potential profitability.
Hamptons said buy-to-let hotspots seen over the past six months include Redcar and Cleveland, Darlington, Derby, Gateshead, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Middlesbrough, County Durham, East Staffordshire, Epping Forest and Leeds.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of London-based investors making purchases this year are estimated to have bought a buy-to-let in Britain situated outside the capital, up from 24% in 2007.
Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, said: “Buy-to-let investment is gradually grinding to a halt in some markets where higher purchase and mortgage costs take their toll.
“However, while new landlord purchases remain well below long-term averages, some investors have been looking further afield for new opportunities.
“One of the main ways landlords are trying to mitigate against higher stamp duty and mortgage costs is by seeking better-yielding and cheaper properties, increasingly in northern England.”
She added: “This may also have a knock-on impact on rents if supply conditions in the South of England worsen, and where tenants’ finances are already most stretched.
“However, investors will still find opportunities in the South of England, particularly if rents continue to rise and house prices pick up pace after nearly a decade of stronger capital growth further north.
“Lower interest rates will also help, not only by lowering mortgage costs, but by reducing rates available on savings accounts, which might make buy-to-let look more appealing.”
The Hamptons lettings index uses data from the Connells Group and is based on 57,000-plus homes let each year.
Police arrest second man in connection with death on cruise ship
A second man has been arrested in connection with the death of a 60-year-old man on board a cruise ship.
James Messham, from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, died following an “altercation” on the MSC Virtuosa as it was in British waters on Saturday, May 3, during a short trip to Belgium.
A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was released pending further inquiries by Hampshire Constabulary.
Now the force has confirmed that a second man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
A spokesman said: “A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened at around 8.30pm on Saturday 3 May.
“A 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody at this time.
“We remain keen to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship, which had departed Southampton around 6pm on Saturday and was still in British waters at the time.”
Mr Messham, who operated the travelling show Messham’s Wall of Death, has been described as a “great showman” by friends posting on Facebook.
It is understood that he was part of a stag party on board the cruise ship.
One friend commented on a photo of Mr Messham, which was posted by son Jake Messham: “My deepest sympathy on your loss, he was a proper old school showman, condolences to the rest of the family. Rip.”
Another said: “He will be missed by everyone. When he travelled with us with the wall some years ago in Ireland, your dad and all your family were very helpful and great people to be around.
“He was a great showman and friend to all.”
In an interview with thewidowstanton website, Jake Messham, who is a fourth-generation rider for the wall of death, says that the family’s show is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 1930s.
Trump to be gifted ‘flying palace’ Air Force One by Qatar, report says
The Trump administration is preparing to receive what is likely the most valuable gift ever given to the U.S. by a foreign government — a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet owned by Qatar’s royal family, with an estimated value of $400 million.
ABC News reports that the plane will be made available to President Donald Trump to use as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which point it will be transferred to the foundation responsible for the Trump presidential library.
The president has made it no secret that he is tired of waiting for Boeing to produce a new Air Force One to replace the current planes, two modified 747-200 jumbo jets known by the model number VC-25A, which date from 1990.
In February, he said he was “not happy” with the slow progress and cost overruns on the new presidential aircraft, which were ordered in 2018, during his first term.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that the federal government is hiring defense contractor L3Harris to refurbish a Boeing 747 previously used by the Qatari government. It now appears that the plane will be gifted to the U.S. next week during Trump’s first official foreign trip, barring the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.
ABC’s reporting cites sources familiar with the arrangements.
Trump toured the plane in February when it was parked at Palm Beach International Airport. It is said to be so opulently configured that it has been referred to as a “flying palace.”
Following reports of the gift on Sunday, the Qataris pushed back, with Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché, saying in a statement: “Reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate.”
“The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense,” the statement said. “But the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.”
Meanwhile, the arrangement has set off alarm bells about the legality of accepting such a valuable gift from a foreign government under the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which prohibits any government official from accepting gifts from “any King, Prince or foreign State.” Qatar is a U.S. ally and major diplomatic force in the Middle East.
Sources told ABC News that lawyers for the White House counsel’s office and the Department of Justice drafted an analysis for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that concluded it is legal for the Department of Defense to accept the aircraft as a gift and later turn it over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
They claim it does not violate bribery laws as it is not conditioned on any official act and is not being given to an individual, but rather to the Air Force and then the Trump library.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington said it would be “legally permissible” for the donation of the aircraft to be conditioned on transferring its ownership to Trump’s presidential library before the end of his term, and not the president, personally, the sources told the network.
They said Bondi provided a legal memorandum on the matter to the White House counsel’s office last week after her advice was sought on the legalities of the gift.
Nevertheless, Democrats and even Trump’s far-right ally Laura Loomer have condemned the reported arrangement.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X: “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.” There were similar allegations from others on social media.
Axios reports that Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York wrote to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the acting Department of Defense inspector general, and the Office of Government Ethics requesting a probe into the matter, while the Democratic National Committee called it Trump’s “latest grift.”
Loomer also posted her disapproval: “I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
“The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered U.S. Service Members. The same proxies that have worked with the Mexican cartels to get jihadists across our border,” she continued, pushing a far-right conspiracy theory. “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true. And I say that as someone who would take a bullet for Trump. I’m so disappointed.”
Any aircraft used to transport the president must meet strict U.S. military specifications, and so the 13-year-old plane will initially be transferred to the Air Force for modifications.
The full scope of modifications is unknown, but existing planes include radiation shielding, a variety of communications systems, and anti-missile technology. Notably, neither the Qatari plane nor the upcoming VC-25B aircraft being built by Boeing will have the air-to-air refueling capabilities of the current presidential plane, allowing it to stay airborne essentially indefinitely and with unlimited range.
Once modified, Trump will be able to use the aircraft until no later than January 1, 2029, when it will be transferred to the library, less than three weeks before his term ends. The Air Force will pay for any costs relating to its transfer, the sources told ABC News.
Boeing estimated that the new Air Force One planes currently on order will not be ready until 2029. Trump asked Elon Musk to work with them on the project, and an updated timeline of 2027 was given, though the president was insistent that he wants a new plane this year.
Trump will make his first official foreign trip of his second term this coming week, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with the focus intended to be on “economic agreements.”
The Trump Organization, run by the president’s two eldest sons, has growing interests in the Middle East. An ethics agreement released by the company in January forbids deals with foreign governments but allows those with private companies.
Weight loss jabs could have surprise anti-cancer effect
New research suggests that weight loss injections, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may have a significant anti-cancer effect beyond simply aiding in weight reduction.
While experts acknowledge the link between weight loss and reduced cancer risk, this study indicates the injections themselves may play a more direct role.
Researchers believe the anti-cancer properties may stem from the drugs’ ability to reduce inflammation, with newer GLP-1 receptor agonists potentially having the most pronounced effect. These medications work by suppressing appetite, making it easier for individuals to lose weight. They are available through the NHS for those with a high BMI and can also be obtained privately.
However, experts caution that further research is crucial to fully understand the relationship between weight loss injections and cancer prevention.
Major names of GLP-1 receptor agonists, some of which are used to treat diabetes, include semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), liraglutide (Saxenda) and exenatide (a drug which has now been discontinued).
The new research, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga.
It found that first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and exenatide may have anti-cancer benefits beyond weight loss.
Researchers first of all discovered similar rates of obesity-related cancer among patients treated with the drugs and those given bariatric surgery.
Co-lead author, Dr Yael Wolff Sagy from Clalit Health Services in Tel-Aviv, Israel, said they also found a “direct effect” of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond weight loss “to be 41 per cent more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer”.
She added: “We do not yet fully understand how GLP-1s work, but this study adds to the growing evidence showing that weight loss alone cannot completely account for the metabolic, anti-cancer, and many other benefits that these medications provide.”
Being overweight or obese is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK, causing more than one in 20 cancer cases.
The risk is higher the more overweight people are and the longer they have been overweight.
Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer, including breast, bowel, pancreatic, oesophageal and gallbladder cancer.
In the new study, researchers analysed electronic health record data for obese people and those with type 2 diabetes, all with no prior history of cancer, who were treated with first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Over a typical follow-up of 7.5 years, 298 patients were diagnosed with obesity-related cancer, most commonly breast, bowel and womb cancer.
The analysis found that obesity-related cancer occurred in 150 of 3,178 bariatric surgery patients and in 148 of 3,178 patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, despite the “relative advantage” of bariatric surgery in weight reduction, which is already known to cut cancer risk.
Further analysis suggested GLP drugs had a direct effect on reducing obesity-related cancer beyond weight loss, with a 41 per cent lower relative risk compared to bariatric surgery.
Co-lead author, Professor Dror Dicker from Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Centre in Israel, said: “The protective effects of GLP1-RAs against obesity-related cancers likely arise from multiple mechanisms, including reducing inflammation.
“Our study is unique in that the long-term follow-up allowed us to compare the effects of GLP1-RAs and surgery with potential long latency periods of cancer.
“New generation, highly potent GLP1-RAs with higher efficacy in weight reduction may convey an even greater advantage in reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers, but future research is needed to make sure that these drugs do not increase the risk for non-obesity-related cancers.”
Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said larger trials with carefully matched groups of people were needed to test the theory.
“This study, whilst interesting, cannot confirm or refute any links of incretin-based therapies with cancer as the design was not a trial but rather observational, and there were quite marked differences between the groups in baseline characteristics that simply cannot be matched,” he said.
“It is better to wait to see further large outcome trials versus placebo to get closer to the truth.”
He said larger trials “are needed to understand links between such medicines and cancer risks, and several should report over the next five years”.
Celebration villa breaks: find your perfect luxury getaway
If you’re planning a milestone birthday, a big anniversary, or a long-awaited reunion, a villa holiday is hard to beat. Imagine clinking glasses on a rooftop terrace at sunset or gathering loved ones around a candlelit garden table for a leisurely dinner under the night sky.
These special occasions deserve much more than booking out a busy hotel, and nothing beats having your own sun-drenched sanctuary where you have the space and privacy to celebrate in style. Whether you’re heading to Marrakech in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, to the rolling hills of Tuscany, or a tropical oasis further afield, Villas are the perfect home-away-from-home for celebrating something, or someone, special.
CV Villas’ luxurious ABOVE collection offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments – think breathtaking settings, total privacy, and the kind of comfort and space that makes everyone feel at home. All come with stunning interiors, sweeping views as far as the eye can see, and enviable locations in some of the world’s most sought-after spots. Each villa is hand-picked by dedicated CV Villa specialists, who are experts in helping people craft their dream getaway. Many come with their own infinity pools, breathtaking views and large alfresco dining areas, perfect for spending quality time together during life’s most important moments. Villas aren’t just places to stay, they’re a big part of the celebration itself.
From the moment you book your stay to your arrival back home, the CV Villas Concierge team is there to make everything as seamless and stress-free as possible. They are dedicated to looking after you and your party before and throughout your holiday so that you can focus on the things that really matter, like spending quality time together and celebrating without having to worry about the minor details. The team tailors each trip to exactly what you’re after, whether you’re looking to book a private boat day or need to organise a surprise celebration dinner, nothing is too much trouble. Many of the five-star villas even come with their own butlers and chefs so that you can be waited on hand and foot during your special getaway.
ABOVE villas are the epitome of luxury and come with designer interiors, infinity pools boasting panoramic ocean views, and terraces made for golden hour cocktails – properties with serious star quality. What’s more, they’re located all around the world, from the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Greece to the palm-fringed beaches of far-flung Sri Lanka and beyond.
Sampling delicious local food is a big part of a holiday, but catering for a large group can often mean juggling different requests and palates. Luckily for you, many of these luxury villas come with their very own in-villa chefs – perfect for when you’d rather toast the moment with a glass of fizz than spend time flapping around in the kitchen. Instead, let your chef whip up multi-course meals morning till night, using the freshest local produce, all based on your personal tastes and dietary requirements, before tucking into it alfresco under the undisturbed starry night sky.
The little luxuries make a big difference to a bucket-list trip: daily housekeeping to keep things spic and span, spa treatments for when you need a little R&R, wine tastings for the adults, yoga sessions with epic views, and even round-the-clock babysitting. All of this can be arranged to make your stay feel even more indulgent.
Maison Emilion, France
This rustic French villa is practically made for wine lovers, aptly located amidst the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux. This six-bedroom hilltop hangout boasts views of the working vineyards from every angle, including from the heated pool and surrounding sunbeds. Wander into the nearby village of Saint-Émilion, then enjoy the included wine-tasting experience before settling into the garden for dinner with nothing but the glow of flickering candlelight and the moonlit sky.
Oleander, Corfu
It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Oleander in Corfu, a five-bedroom villa overlooking Avlaki Bay and the picturesque town of Kassiopi. It’s located high above the Ionian Sea and is the ideal villa for memorable summer celebrations. Soak up the sunshine from the infinity pool while enjoying views of Albania’s craggy Ceraunian Mountains, or hang out on the wrap-around terraces and communal outside dining areas. During peak season at Oleander, chef service is also included, so you can enjoy meals with your loved ones without even having to leave the villa.
Spirit of Son Fuster, Mallorca
Spirit of Son Fuster in Mallorca is hard to beat for large groups and multigenerational stays. This five-star bolthole is set in a stunning natural landscape at the foot of the Alaro twin mountains, right near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, and is as secluded as it gets. This gorgeous 14th-century manor house sleeps twenty people across ten bedrooms and even has its own on-site spa and hammam where everyone can enjoy treatments in the dedicated treatment rooms. There’s even a private cinema room for movie nights and a well-stocked wine cellar filled with local vintage wines.
Masseria Giardini, Puglia
Masseria Giardini in Puglia is the height of luxury and the perfect home-away-from-home for families and large groups. It was built in 1750 and is surrounded by leafy olive groves and landscaped gardens curated by Chelsea Flower Show winners Urquhart & Hunt. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Canale Di Pirro Valley from this ten-bedroom farmhouse and spend days lazing around in the heated pool. This villa is an architectural masterpiece, with signature stone domed roofs and hand-carved stone baths in five of the ten bedrooms.
For more travel information and inspiration and to book your perfect villa getaway, visit CV Villas
Trump vows to resolve Kashmir dispute after ceasefire holds
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan appears to be holding more than 24 hours after explosions rocked Kashmir just hours after the truce was announced.
The nuclear-armed countries accused each other of breaking the deal on Saturday evening after blasts were heard over the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, India-administered Kashmir, and the western state of Gujarat.
US president Donald Trump announced the ceasefire at around 5pm India time, with explosions and projectiles seen over Kashmir at around 7.45pm.
Srinagar residents felt “like the city was being bombed”, The Independent producer Mohammad Dawood reported from the ground.
Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire after the blasts. Pakistan rejected the claim and accused India of firing first.
But almost a day later, no more alleged violations have been reported. Mr Trump praised the “powerful leadership of India and Pakistan” for “stopping the aggression”.
“Millions of good and innocent people could have died!” he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.”
The reinvention of Michelle Obama and her quest for stealth power
First, there was the speech at the Democratic convention last August when she was supposed to warm up the audience for her husband, Barack – but ended up stealing the show. Then came conspicuous absences at Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration. And in recent weeks, there have been a string of high-profile – and searingly honest – podcast interviews.
Michelle Obama is very consciously reconfiguring her image. But it is less former first lady, more woman on her own terms. The straightened bob, neutral manicure and demure dresses of the White House years are gone, replaced with long braids, bright pointy nails and some fierce styling. More significantly, while she’s shut down any ideas of a political future, she looks more powerful than ever.
The former first lady is now signalling a new – and very focused – desire to create a different kind of change by leaning into the huge bank of soft power she’s amassed. And cleverly, instead of playing the game, she is changing the rules – and this will be power on her terms, which feels authentic and true to her spirit.
It started in early March with the launch of her new IMO podcast, hosted with her brother Craig Robinson. The siblings’ mission? To use the podcast space to create connection instead of the division that’s currently riddling the US.
“There is no single way to deal with the challenges we may be facing – whether it’s family, faith, or our personal relationships – but taking the time to open up and talk about these issues can provide hope,” Michelle said.
Robinson, whose career at the top level of basketball coaching has schooled him in the art of mentorship, also spoke of the siblings’ hope that the podcast “sparks new ideas, new perspectives, and creates the connection we could all use right now”.
For years, rumours swirled that the former first lady might follow in Hillary Clinton’s footsteps and launch her own political career. She’s a talented orator after all and has built a significant connection with the public since stepping into the world spotlight when Barack became president in 2009. With 57 million followers on Instagram, Michelle’s social media influence now dwarfs her husband’s and her 2018 memoir Becoming was a global bestseller. Most aspirant politicians could only dream of a base like this to build on.
But Michelle has shut down speculation before and did so again within a week of the first IMO episode.
“I was so glad when we got out of the White House,” she said to Kylie Kelce on the Not Gonna Lie podcast, before later adding: “So when people ask me would I ever run, the answer is no.”
Soon, she was being interviewed again – this time on Sophia Bush’s podcast, where she both dismissed gossip that her marriage was in trouble because she hadn’t attended recent high-profile political moments with Barack, and also signalled that she was no longer going to play one half of a double act.
“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with, like disappointing people,” she said. “I mean so much so that this year people were, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing, you know? This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions herself, right?
“But that’s what society does to us. We start actually, finally going, ‘What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labelled as something negative and horrible.”
Earlier this week, Michelle made headlines again when she appeared on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast and spoke about going into therapy to navigate a “whole other phase in life” now her daughters, Malia, 26 and Sasha, 23, are adults.
“I’m an empty nester,” she said. “Now, for the first time, as I’ve said before, every choice that I’m making is completely mine now. I don’t have the excuse of, ‘Well, my kids need this, or my husband needs that, or the country needs that.’ So, how do I think about this next phase?”
For many years, Michelle followed the familiar path of political wives and was identified with her role as a mother and champion of children – known as “head mom in chief” to her daughters, she was also involved in several early years’ initiatives during her time in the White House, including programmes to tackle childhood obesity and open up educational opportunities for girls.
But Becoming certainly wove philosophical and intellectual ideas into her personal story, and the publication of her second book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, in 2022 leaned even more into a philosophy of self-help and motivation.
But the message was intermittent. After 10 episodes of The Light Podcast were released, a six-month break was followed by two more in early 2024, and then Michelle went quiet again.
Meanwhile, the output of Higher Ground, the production company she and Barack set up post White House, was carving a hugely successful path. Instead of preaching, however, the couple were finding ways to be clever about communicating their values, but also entertaining and playful about heavyweight subjects. After signing a first-look deal with Netflix, projects have leaned into everything from the breakdown of social order to increasing visibility for older people – women in particular.
Apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind starred Julia Roberts and had 121 million views in a little over three weeks after it was released. The Later Daters took the youth-oriented tropes of reality TV romance shows and turned them on their head to focus sensitively – and entertainingly – on older participants. Michelle Obama seems to want to leave the polarised world of explicit political messaging behind and explore topics in a more nuanced – and joyful – way.
She’s also clearly ready to develop her own voice.
“Going through therapy is getting me to look at the fact that maybe finally I’m good enough,” she said when she interviewed Taraji P Henson for IMO last month.
Admitting self-doubt, embracing self-acceptance and being refreshingly honest about struggles in her marriage – Michelle once admitted she “couldn’t stand” her husband during their daughters’ early years because the mental and practical load felt so unequal – she has long been known for her authenticity and honesty.
But the launch of IMO and her recent interviews have seen her drive home a repeated message of self-actualisation and emotional rawness. As well as articulating her sense of a new era in her life, Obama has talked about everything from marrying a man who was “not financially sound” – Barack and she were young lawyers when they first met – to the profound emotional shift triggered by her mother’s death last year.
So, is there a plan behind it all?
Maybe. Oprah Winfrey is a treasured friend who threw Michelle’s 50th birthday party on her estate, and it could certainly be that the former first lady is being intentional about leveraging a similar kind of soft cultural power to create a more hopeful world.
“She’s built an incredible brand,” says Jennifer Holloway, a branding expert and author who’s worked with clients including Apple and Microsoft. “And what makes it so powerful is that she’s done it organically by being consistent and true to who she is. And it’s interesting that she’s now being more vocal in a way that perhaps she couldn’t before.
“She has a very profound effect. She gives people hope. And I think that’s very much her brand – it’s about fulfilling your own potential. Her key ability is to inspire others by being true to who she is, and honest about the challenges. She’s identifiable. And that is incredibly powerful.”
Whether Michelle has an end game in mind for her recent moves to claim her own space, on her own terms, remains to be seen. But in the past, she’s written about “the kind of volcanic clarity that comes when you speak from the absolute centre of your being”.
It’s also certain that after spending years in politics, she’s learned some lessons along the way.
And, as fellow democrat Franklin D Roosevelt once said: “In politics, nothing happens by chance. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.” And in the words of Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high.”