I can assure those doubters that the report is far from 'froth' or an election ploy.

As a party member the issue is being debated significantly within the party, and those pessimists forget that the last Labour Government continued the de-regulated consensus.

The proposals in the manifesto being drawn up over the next year, will offer a significant change, a radical one if you may want to call it that.

Competition has failed as monopolies have been accepted, the 'socialisation' or 'mutualisation' of buses will probably become a reality. It has done in London and nearly did in Manchester.

At this stage it's much better to look forward rather than back.