I never came into life with any favours or privileges.

I mean I get loads of money, all from different sources. You give it to your accountant. They manage it. But you pay corporation tax. If you're then taking it out and spending it on yourself, you have to pay more.

I'm never going to take the view that I should say whatever I need to say in order to achieve something. Because that implies a level of dishonesty.

I spent the 1960s and 1970s seeking myself - the working-class tradition of self-education.

I was a weedy kid, not like one of those working-class men who can accommodate not being academically clever by physical strength and prowess.

Most kids dont get to go their parents wedding.

I feel a degree of regret that Marshall did not push on and say 'abolish the GLC' because I think it would have been a major saving and would have released massive resources for productive use.