Alan Johnson: Orphan, postman, politician like no other

Sweeney Talks

To many, he’s the greatest Prime Minister we never had. Born into post-war poverty, Alan Johnson’s childhood was tough. Alan was orphaned when he was 12 and brought up by his sister, Linda. They fought to stay together and escape the slums. Alan became a postman at the age of 18 before becoming a politician, holding a range of ministerial posts including Home Secretary. He tells John Sweeney what it was like to be grindingly poor in 1950’s Britain and what he loves and loathes about the Labour Party.