As the political year draws to a close we review the year in Westminster. It ends with a new allowances furore in the House of Lords after a Conservative peer was filmed clocking in to claim his £300 day rate – then clocking straight out again. Lord Hanningfield says he was unwell when he was filmed – and that in any case, much of his parliamentary work can be done from outside the confines of Westminster.
There is no suggestion that the former Conservative broke any rules but but a Labour MP has called for parliamentary authorities to investigate.
Meanwhile a new row is brewing over Britain's airport capacity. The airports commission, chaired by economist Howard Davies, shortlisted options and favoured a new runway at Heathrow. Party leaders are sensitive to the many marginal constituencies which would be affected by a new west London runway and no decision will be taken till after the next election.
Joining Tom Clark for the final podcast of 2013 are Guardian columnists Martin Kettle, Jonathan Freedland and Michael White.
Also this week: we circle some dates on our 2014 political calendars - including May's European elections and September's Scottish referendum. Will the economic recovery continue to power on towards the next election? And will its effects be felt by the average voter?
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