A reader (to whom Team Health Policy Insight's grateful thanks) emails editorial AT healthpolicyinsight.com with more information on the fascinating political hinterland of wonderfully shy, self-effacing Sir Stephen John Limrick Bubb JP.

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Shy Sir Stephen was a union official (Transport and General Workers' Union, 1976-80; National Union of Teachers, 1980-7); a Young Fabian; and Labour Chief Whip on Lambeth Council, 1982-6, when "Red" Ted Knight was the Leader and refused to set a budget in protest at rate-capping.

In September 1985, the District Auditor levied a £126,947 surcharge on 32 of the Lambeth Labour councillors (including Bubb) and banned them from holding office for five years on grounds of "wilful misconduct". This ban took effect in 1986, following a failed High Court case.