So I went into government with a clear mind about what the problems were, and what needed to be done.

For wide swaths of training and education there are valuable spillovers which mean that the private sector needs support from the government. That is why I have been so determined to protect and grow apprenticeships and put higher education on a sustainable footing.

You can't win with some people. If you're not in government, you're criticised for being not serious. If you are in government, you're criticised for wanting power. That's the Labour party's line of attack, and it's a bit ridiculous.

I don't feel comfortable with luxury, and I try to stay fairly normal.

And humility in politics means accepting that one party doesn't have all the answers; recognising that working in partnership is progress not treachery.

I made friends with a boy who was a communist when I was 13 and that broadened my political views, but it also brought me into conflict with my father who was very Right-wing.

I am a bit of a lefty on some issues.