Some populist critics decried this ambition, and John Hammond, a well-to-do liberal impresario, denounced Ellington's concert works as vapid, accusing him of ignoring the troubles of his people.

ECONOMIST: Jazz biography

Labour's Christmas from hell was visited upon it by personal grievances, notably Mr Brown's grievance at not becoming party leader after the death of John Smith, and his continuing ambition to grab the top job one day.

ECONOMIST: Politics

Falcons director of rugby John Fletcher said the signing demonstrated the level of ambition at the club.

BBC: Newcastle sign All Black Hayman

But Mair, the voice of Radio 4's PM and an occasional Newsnight host, said he had no ambition to permanently take over from Paxman, Marr or the Today programme's John Humphrys.

BBC: Eddie Mair interviews London mayor Boris Johnson