I have a dark secret. I did not want Oona King to win at the last election. I did not realise how dangerous the new member was. I was angry about Iraq at the time. Had I realised that supporting Oona would have been preferable to supporting a candidate well to the right of most Tories, I would have personally canvassed in Bethnal Green.

But, I want Oona back in politics. Post-2005, not only have I changed my politics, but she doesn't fit easily into the Blairite role. Luckily, we can look forward to at least one good result in 2010 (perhaps an isolated result, but we should fight to make sure that it isn't), and RESPECT will be kicked out of the East End.

However, we already have a great candidate in Bethnal Green, and I hope Jim Fitzpatrick kicks Galloway's ass in Poplar. So I have another suggestion. She should be our candidate for mayor in 2012.

Finally, while on holiday I got round to read her autobiography “The Oona King Diaries: House Music” (£9.09 from Amazon) by the former MP for Bethnal Green & Bow.

I’m still trying to plough my way through Alistair Campbell’s “The Blair Years”. Oona’s book is a much better read and far more entertaining. It’s a pity about that the libel laws and Galloway’s deep pockets preclude more of her views on what she really thinks about him. So, as she suggests, we will probably have to wait for him to pop his clogs before the real story can come out.

The former Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, Oona King, has just published her book, “House Music: The Oona King Diaries”.  The book gives a moving account of her time as an MP. Last week, TMP editor, Chuka Umunna caught up with her.  In the first part of this wide ranging interview, Chuka talks to her about her book, politics, inequality and young people.  Below is a short extract.