For any new leader of any party at any given time it takes time if you are not in government to establish yourself.

I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

I'm a fully paid-up member of the human race.

There is no satisfaction to be derived from having had many of our arguments borne out by events.

You won't catch Liberal Democrats describing trade unionists as wreckers.

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 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.