CHERIE Blair, or Booth as the mood fits, jealously guarded her privacy and that of her offspring, even down to the refusal to confirm or deny if the youngest had received the MMR vaccine.

Nonetheless, she made the headlines usually for all the wrong reasons, be it fare dodging on the train (a pastime her husband has taken up since retirement), refusing to acknowledge our Sovereign in the traditional manner (although one of her Majesty's legal counsel) or unscrupulous property dealing and freeloading shopping trips.

She now chooses to reveal her most intimate detail, including those of a nature which should be confined to a doctor's surgery.

Why this sudden change of heart?

Altruism perhaps? Philanthropy?

No - money. Yet more core socialist principles cast aside to make millions by the publication of her life story. The gravy train never stops from this New Labour Party.

Colin T Mortimer, Pity Me, Durham.