LIKE him or not, Tony Benn has become one of the leading commentators on modern political life. The hero of the left over so many years has turned his attention to the period between 2001 and 2007 and, as expected, is the arch critic of the Labour gover

LIKE him or not, Tony Benn has become one of the leading commentators on modern political life.

The hero of the left over so many years has turned his attention to the period between 2001 and 2007 and, as expected, is the arch critic of the Labour government and the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Benn has not concealed his dislike for Blair's management although he was obviously delighted when his son, Hilary Benn, was given a Cabinet position.

As in all his diaries, Benn is honest and straightforward.