On the other side of my family, my maternal grandfather, Alan Earl, was a member of the National Party, putting his name forward for selection for the mighty seat of Wairarapa, which has now rightfully returned to this side of the House. Pop passed away when I was two years old, but I like to think I inherited my singing voice and my sense of social justice from him. My mother recalls that his selection chances were over when he was asked if there was an issue he would cross the floor for. He answered yes: the Springbok tour. Pop and my Granny Molly also gave me my Anglican faith and my musical genes.