A former MP selling out 14 theatres across the country for a public discussion about democracy - for most it would be an audacious aim as public trust in politics ebbs to a new low.

But hundreds will undoubtedly fill the New Wimbledon Theatre later this month as the veteran Labour politician Tony Benn tackles the issues he deems the most pressing and controversial facing society.

Top of that agenda will be the expenses scandal miring Westminster.

“I feel desperately sad because the work I have done my whole life has become discredited.

"People may start to feel they no longer have power over the society in which they live. Cynicism becomes the entirely destructive to democracy,” says the 84-year-old.

“I’ll always begin the evening by saying you can relax - I’m not asking you to vote for me, it’s a sort of freedom that comes because I don’t want anything for myself anymore.

“It’s all very simple, I sit on the stage talking about contemporary issues and then answer questions and get a discussion going.

"It allows people to talk about often controversial issues free from the abuse of spin doctors and personalities.

“I’ll hear people say why isn’t this done more often - and I suppose it’s like the old fashioned public meetings.”

Instead of repeating a rehearsed lecture the audience participate in a spontaneous debate about contemporary issues that Tony claims is as rewarding for him as anyone in the audience.

He adds: “People will always laugh when I say it, but I left parliament to devote more time to politics.

"I went to 169 public meetings last year and five in the last week - I’m learning all the time.

“Whenever I talk to younger generations I say I owe you an apology because we have made a cock up of the world and it’s up to you to put it right.

“My long held conviction is that the media political classes constantly underestimate people’s intelligence.

"I just love going out and listening to people. I think people forget that democracy is the most revolutionary idea there is."

An Evening With Tony Benn, New Wimbledon Theatre, May 27, 7.30pm. Call 0870 060 6646 ot visit newwimbledontheatre.co.uk.