Hazel Blears has bike custom-built

Hazel Blears is having a motorcycle custom-made for herself.

The Communities Secretary, who has been a motorcyclist for over 10 years, revealed her plans when asked for advice on what sort of bike to buy.

She said: ‘My advice is to test-drive as many different types as you can, because you can spend a lot of time with your bike, and you don’t want to get it wrong. I’m getting one custom-made for me at the moment.’

Her comment was made in a ‘You ask the questions’ feature in The Independent.

Patrick Kelly, from Bury, had asked: ‘I’m thinking about getting a motorbike. What sort should I get? What sort do you have?’

Bikes Blears has owned include a Benelli 254 and a Yamaha Virago 535.