The choice between a Labour government and a Tory one is sharpening minds.

Indeed, when all parties campaign effectively the overall effect is to push up voting rates, as you see in tight marginal seats or close general elections. That must be good for democracy.

Today the demands are for even higher standards in the quality of care, for greater flexibility and convenience in treatment times, and for more prevention through screening and health checks.

At times unpopular measures are needed in order to change behaviour.

Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.

I'm honoured to have been selected to be the Labour candidate for Manchester Central.

In politics, the number of women in the cabinet has fallen and, if current poll trends continue and Labour loses a number of marginal seats, the number of female MPs is likely to drop significantly.