Being an MP is a good job, the sort of job all working-class parents want for their children -- clean, indoors and no heavy lifting. What could be nicer?

I'm not thick-skinned at all, and of course I'm hurt by people attacking me as a person.

I don't think you can have pain and soul-searching doing the right thing for your child.

Outsiders often have an insight that an insider doesn't quite have.

I believe every abortion is a tragedy.

Finally, there's a sense in which I look at this Westminster village and London intelligentsia as an outsider.

I want a Labour Party that is more democratic, more open and listens to its members.