The cost of motoring is a massive issue at the moment, there's no question. The price of petrol goes up every time you go to the petrol station.

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

Even though I support the blue side of Manchester's football heritage, I don't really mind that wherever I go in the world it's not Manchester City that starts the conversation. 'Ah, yes, Manchester United,' is the response when I say where I come from. It's commonplace everywhere - in Europe, Africa, Asia and even the U.S.

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

The Tories seem unable to make any impact north of the border.

You're wrong if you think young people don't deserve the vote.

Both the velodrome and the Commonwealth swimming pool are open to the public and are frequently used by local schools and the local community. Over the last six years young people have been inspired to take up swimming and cycling more seriously; some of them are now coming through as Olympic champions or hopefuls.