Alan Johnson at Proms at St Jude's Music and Literary Festival 2015

Former Labour Minister Alan Johnson talks with Simon Lewis, former No. 10 spokesman, about 'Please, Mr. Postman,' Johnson's moving, hilarious and unforgettable memoir, out in paperback in June.

Unlike many politicians, Alan Johnson knows the world beyond the Westminster bubble. His deprived childhood was movingly described in 'This Boy'. His second volume of memoirs, 'Please, Mr Postman', to be published in paperback in June, tells of his career in the Post Office and of his gradual introduction to political life. 'Please, Mister Postman' paints a vivid picture of England in the 1970s, where no celebration was complete without a Party Seven of Watney's Red Barrel, smoking was the norm rather than the exception, and Sunday lunchtime was about beer, bingo, and cribbage. But as Alan's life appeared to be settling down and his career in the Union of Postal Workers began to take off, his close-knit family was struck by tragedy. 'Please, Mister Postman' is another astonishing book from the award-winning author of 'This Boy'. Alan Johnson has held many Cabinet posts in Labour governments, but maintains his writing career is now his priority.