“When I was eight my father said to me: ‘Never wrestle with a chimney sweep.’ What he meant was: if somebody plays dirty with you, don't play dirty with them or you'll get dirty too.” - Tony Benn

Ben Sellers I always found this advice good but difficult, as if we don’t contend with the worse behaviour of the most manipulative operators, it often leaves the most vulnerable to continue to be crushed by them.the political chimney sweeps greatest skill is creating smoke without fire.

@Olly4Northfield I don’t get that from it, Olly. This is what I said on my FB, in answer to those who were saying it’s tantamount to rolling over & accepting attacks. I think that’s de-contextualising Benn’s words...