"The sense of duty and public service was instilled in me. That's why I always have shiny shoes," says Lord Vernon Coaker, reflecting on his prestigious political career which had been heavily influenced by his father.
As the former Labour MP for Gedling walked down Carrington Street his father's ascendancy was evident in his pair of glossy-black leather shoes which had been impeccably polished.
Buffing-out every inch of imperfection had become somewhat even more pertinent to Lord Coaker this year, however, upon the passing of his father, Edwin, at the beginning of January.
