Editor's note

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have been confirmed as the final two candidates in the battle to become the next prime minister. The two will now spend the next few weeks meeting local activists before party members make their final decision on who gets the top job.

But regardless of who comes out on top, everyone involved in this process is nervous about whether either of these men actually appeals to the wider public. Winning support from the Conservative selectorate is one thing, but in this fragile political climate, and with Brexit to deliver, the victor is going to have to think on his feet if he wants to stay in Downing Street long enough to pick new curtains.

While Conservative Party members are thinking about strategy in this contest, the wider public is more likely to favour a politician who offers emotional appeal. Branding expert Steve McKevitt explains why.

If you came across a lost wallet, would you return it to its owner? According to the first ever global study on the topic, the majority of people across the world would – especially if it contained large amounts of cash. The finding will come as a surprise to many, not least the researchers themselves. But when you take a closer look at the psychology behind honesty, it kind of makes sense. Although it’s easy to dismiss humans as selfish, we are driven by honesty to a greater extent than it might seem.

After what feels like a lot of rain recently, the weather in the UK is warming up. And as we look forward to BBQs, ice creams and fun in the sun, so too are the ants. Encouraged by the warm weather, these itchy insects will be making themselves busy, stealing tasty morsels from your kitchen, destroying your garden and causing other nuisances. Before you get the bug spray, though, stop for a minute to consider just how fascinating these insects are. From flying sperm to sex diets, here are six amazing ant facts you need to know.

Laura Hood

Politics Editor, Assistant Editor

Top stories

Kirsty O'Connor/PA

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt will compete to become the UK’s next prime minister – but could either win an election?

Chris Stafford, University of Nottingham

Conservative members will now vote on which of the two candidates will become their party leader – and the prime minister.

Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

Persuasive politics: why emotional beats rational for connecting with voters

Steve McKevitt, Leeds Beckett University

Successful communication is about understanding feelings.

What would you do? By Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

Majority of people return lost wallets – here’s the psychology and which countries are the most honest

Nigel Holt, Aberystwyth University

Researchers were surprised to learn that in 38 countries, lost wallets with higher sums of money were returned more often than those with smaller amounts.

Wikimedia Commons

Six amazing facts you need to know about ants

Charlie Durant, University of Leicester; Max John, University of Leicester; Rob Hammond, University of Leicester

They might be a hated household pest, but ants actually live fascinating and complex lives.

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