Farewell to a Decent Lefty

Yes you read that right! I am about to be NICE about a unreconstructed old lefty!

Chris Mullins, Labour MP for Sunderland South, is standing down at this election.

Another old lefty who reads this blog (who has finally grown up and is now more centre right in his viewpoint :o)) gave me his dairies to read last summer whilst we were away on holiday. Mullins came across as a thoroughly decent man, a proper constituency MP, who did not do too well as a Junior Minister. He is writing in the Times today about his impending retirement and the fear he has about the future.

This is a man who still watches a black and white telly in his flat in London and his expenses were above board. An old fashioned left winger, with a respect for parliament and a duty to his constituents.

More Chris Mullins in Parliament and less Elliot Morley and Labour might be a more palatable party.

I look forward to reading the 2nd volume of his diaries later in the year and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Left wing music required for this post I think. Paul Weller then. His new single, complete 60s throwback, but very infectious - No More Tears to Cry.