Ian Austin MP

I was at Essex University with Ian Austin. We both studied Government. Ian is now MP for Dudley North and PPS to the Prime Minister.

The students at Essex rioted in 1968. One of my lecturers, who was a student at the time, told this story. During the heat of the rebellion, one student leader announced that this was their moment. It was time to march into Colchester, go to the Army barracks, take a tank and drive to Westminster.

To say the place had a reputation for being left-wing is perhaps an understatement. When I arrived the Sun had an editorial suggesting that the University would be better off in the North Sea.

There were some Conservatives there who argued for Thatcherism and a brand of libertarianism. They were led by John Bercow.

The political arguments were robust and passionate with people rarely holding back.

According to yesterday's Independent, Ian is reported to have made a remark to George Osborne during the debate on MPs' expenses. I haven't seen Ian for a number of years so have no idea how true this is but the alleged comment was "f-off, you toff".

If true, I suppose one can only conclude that you can take the boy out of Essex University but you can't take Essex University out of the boy.