Ray Collins did two things last week which politicians don’t usually do.  First, he expressed an unfashionable view to a difficult audience because he thought it needed saying.  Then – once he realised that he’d overdone it – he apologised even though he didn’t have to.

He might reply that he is not a politician.  That he is foremost a trade unionist, and that as Labour’s General Secretary he is merely an appointed official; the servant of the party.

In fact, he is a skilfull politician who has wielded an influence as general secretary not seen since Tony Blair wrested it from Larry Whitty and never gave it back. (more…)