If so the unions, who help to choose the party's leader, could vote to install a favoured candidate, such as Alan Johnson or Ed Balls, both union-friendly cabinet members.

ECONOMIST: The trade unions are not as fearsome as they look

That means it is likely to be a busy year for Ed Johnson, director of science at the Staten Island Museum, which, with about 35, 000 specimens, said it boasts the largest cicada collection in North America.

WSJ: Bugged by Cicada Brood II? Don't Be

Mr Johnson and Labour leader Ed Miliband are among Labour MPs backing a change to AV - but many heavyweight figures within the party, including former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, and most Conservatives, are campaigning to keep the current first-past-the-post system for Westminster elections.

BBC: AV referendum: Union stance 'depressing', says Johnson

Mrs Lawrence was joined at the event by relatives, friends and senior political figures including Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Labour Party Leader Ed Miliband and London Mayor Boris Johnson.

BBC: Stephen Lawrence 20th anniversary memorial service held

Earlier this week, I took Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson to task for a remarkably ill-informed and highly cynical op-ed piece he wrote in the Wall Street Journal attacking health care reform on its one-year anniversary.

FORBES: Wisconsin GOP Senator Reveals Embarrassing Prejudice In Attack On Health Care Reform