A new line-up of columnists for the New Statesman includes comedian Mark Watson, raconteur Will Self and economist David Blanchflower

The current affairs magazine, New Statesman , has relaunched both print and online editions this week.   It has a new look reflecting a more authoritative style, new sections, more pictures, an increased on online content and new contributors.

The new columnists include:

Journalist and after dinner speaker Will Self, will take a sideways look at strange social phenomena and group behaviour.  Will will also be investigating high street food outlets including the likes of McDonalds and Starbucks in a column called 'Real Meals'.

The award winning comedian Mark Watson , a popular choice for corporate events, will contribute articles on ethical dilemmas every two weeks.

David 'Danny' Blanchflower , professor of economics at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and world renowned keynote conference speaker, will offer his forthright views in a weekly economics column.

Phillip Blond, thinker and director of think tank ResPublica will write a fortnightly column on political ideas.

Other new columnists are the 2008-2009 Press Gazette Magazine Columnist of the Year Michael Hodges with a humorous weekly column on class.

Historian Dominic Sandbrook will explore diverse representation of historical facts and on green issues and the  environment, writers and activists Mark Lynas, Sophie Elmhirst and Bibi van der Zee will offer their thoughts.