Back in town last week to sign his latest book, former Tatton MP Martin Bell proved he has lost none of his political punch or affection for the people who swept him into parliament.

The former  BBC war correspondent was elected on a clean-up politics platform and became the first independent MP in the House of Commons for almost half a century thanks to the voters of Wilmslow.

That election was 15 years ago but influences and reminiscences from the era form the backbone of ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’.

A sort of autobiography in verse, the book continues his crusade against corruption in politics and shows he is still on a mission to expose dodgy practices, whereever they arise.

But there is no venom in his verse, most of his poems are rattling good rhymes, written tongue  in cheek, and offering a look on the bright side as well as exposing dark shadows in the corridors of power.

Apart from taking a swipe at the usual suspects with Swindler’s List (the MPs’ expenses scandal) and an ode to the duck house affair, there are poems on the phone hacking saga, celebrity culture, literacy – or lack of it – the summer riots, the bankers, the Murdochs and of course, Strictly.

It has been penned for punters to pick up and browse and makes a perfect Christmas stocking filler, particularly for those of us who are current affairs junkies.

The collection of more than 100 poems, many just a few poignant lines, reflects the amazing life and work of a man who has travelled the world, first as an observer of war but now in the name of peace as an ambassador for Unicef.

For Whom The Bell Tolls costs £9.99 and is available at Waterstones, Wilmslow