An Evening with Alan Johnson

Labour MP Alan Johnson could be forgiven for being morose or curmudgeonly. Brought up on the tough poverty-stricken streets of London, with a feckless father and mother tragically dying young, the combination of these harsh realities should not be a breeding ground for political greatness. And yet it is to his credit (and the unshakable support of his elder sister) that he not only survived but was able to flourish and climb the political ladder through his trade union and ultimately the highest ranks of the Labour government. Heart-breaking at times and yet Johnson himself is warm, open, funny and above all genuine. I came away with nothing but admiration for him.

Connaught Studio, Worthing, 23 April 2014

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