It's still a shame in many ways though. This is a man who fought his way up to one of the most powerful positions in the land, starting from the absolute bottom. He was blind since birth and born in a time when facilities for the blind were virtually non-existant by modern standards. He had to fight every step of the way, and little wonder he was such a tough bastard. And he really did care for things, very deeply. He was always out meeting disadvantaged people and so on, and not for the publicity but because he was eager to represent their interests- probably the most left wing man in New Labour, even more so than Prescott.
There are not enough men of his character in Government. But as I say, I particularly disliked him in education and he was certainly pretty hardcore as Home Secretary. Bit of a nut really. But genuine and dedicated, and you cannot say that of a lot of politicians, even ones whose views I agree with.
Charles Clarke has said it will be a "Hard act to follow." Damn right- he hasn't got a chance.