In fact, he led for Labour nationally on fire issues at the Local Government Association and frequently travelled to London.

BBC: Manchester fire authority chair quits over expenses row

Indeed, in the era of the flexible and dynamic labour market which we are often told we live in, we are frequently reminded that DC may be more appropriate.

BBC: Peter Thompson's speech

The One Nation mantle is frequently donned by British politicians, but it has an appealing chutzpah when worn by a Labour man accused of harbouring left-wing instincts.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot