John McDonnell

“I made the case for public ownership in 'Another World is Possible' - a manifesto for 21st-century socialism - as it is the most rational approach for managing resources in the long-term interest of the entire community.”

“Well organised displays of spontaneous support is one of the New Labour machine's specialities.”

“Meeting the challenges of the future requires a state that can think and act strategically.”

“When you're in the depths of a recession, that isn't the time when people want to challenge the system, they're too busy trying to survive. It's when they're told we're coming out of a recession, growth is returning, and they're not seeing the benefits of it, or they're not seeing them quick enough.”

“When I had the heart attack I had one stent inserted, which was great.”

“The plundering for profit of the world's natural resources has threatened the very sustainability of the planet.”

“I have a political philosophy by which I judge political events. It's called socialism, which at its core is about achieving equality, justice and peace through democracy.”

“If the government is injecting public money, it should also take the right to oversee board appointments, executive pay, and future business operations.”

“Since John Smith's death and the Blair/Brown takeover in 1994, party members have watched the way in which an elite leadership group has formed in the Labour party, cutting itself off from the party's traditions, values and norms of behaviour.”

“We stand in the centre ground of the Labour party and our traditions. The policies we are advocating go right back to the beginning.”

“Getting political representation is important, but change comes through using direct action, campaigning, and trade unions.”

“New Labour has systematically alienated section after section of our natural supporters - teachers, health workers, students, pensioners, public service workers, trade unionists and people committed to the environment, civil liberties and peace.”

“I am categorically opposed to any fees for education - and I have voted and campaigned against their introduction at every stage.”

“Airport expansion is just one example of how our planet is being plundered for profit.”

“The U.K. needs to diversify - to become the technological as well as the financial centre of Europe.”

“We need to promote employment through investment in major public works schemes to meet the U.K.'s needs.”

“What Gramsci is all about is hegemony: you win the battle of ideas and it dominates.”

“New Labour has deregulated, liberalised and privatised - but every time the private sector fails it is the taxpayer who pays.”

“The New Labour political elite has long conspired to secure a so-called 'smooth transition' for Blair's successor. This would amount to little more than the imposition of a leader on the party and our supporters without any real democratic participation.”

“Ministers may not be responsible for administrative errors, but they are responsible for major policy blunders.”