Alan Johnson (UK politician)

Background

Born in 1950, the Trade and Industry Secretary is an ex-postman who became leader of the Communication Workers Union, before moving into Parliament. He is seen as old labour. [1]

Spinning the truth

After the launch of the Energy Review in January 2006, Johnson described himself as being neutral on nuclear power. However, Johnson was accused by environmentalists of pushing a "spin operation" in favour of nuclear power after he endorsed the technology saying that the government would have to "bite the nuclear bullet" and arguing that "doing nothing was not an option" for Britain. [2] [3]