Michael Foot

I was very sad to hear the news of the passing of the former Labour leader, Michael Foot, earlier this week.

Mr Foot was a huge figure in the history of the Labour movement and somebody who made an outstanding contribution to Parliament and public life. Like Jack Straw (who spoke in the House of Commons on the day his death was announced), I am a huge fan of Mr Foot’s famous speech in the House of Commons when telling the tale (brilliantly) of the magician and the gold watch. I came across this speech many years ago when first getting involved in politics and it, and many other speeches he gave, remain a source of great pleasure and inspiration.