My idealism has not abated, but I have witnessed it withering away nationwide, to the point where at least among the young, to have ideals is akin to being blinkered and oldfashioned.

I believe that access to a university education should be based on the ability to learn, not what people can afford. I think there is no more nauseating a sight than politicians pulling up the ladder of opportunity behind them.

My approach is always to try to be straight with people, especially about what my party can achieve.

The quicker we get rid of the lobby system the better for all of us. I don't think in this day and age it is tenable to have these nods and winks, and on-the-record and off-the-record briefings.

I am genuinely not an over-the-top kind of person about politics or anything else.

I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

The one thing we can all be sure about in politics is you are as well to expect the unexpected.