ConservativeHome's Interviews

Warwick Lightfoot answers your questions

Mike A: I'm going to put down a barrage if no-one else will

i) Who are you?

I am a London Councillor and the Cabinet Member responsible for Police and Community Safety in my borough. In my working life I am a professional economist. I have held two of the top advisory jobs in Central Government: Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Employment and Special Adviser to three Conservative Chancellors of the Exchequer. I am regularly used by the BBC economics and business unit for programmes like Wake Up to Money on Radio 5 Live and I have an international reputation largely as a result of my economic journalism in the Wall Street Journal, The European and International Economy.

ii) Do you think you have the common touch you need to be mayor?

Yes. I see myself as an ordinary Londoner who shares the concerns and ambitions of most of us who live here.  I was born in Barnet. My Mother had just separated from my Father shortly before I was born. I grew up in a single parent household at a time when single parents had little help and women on their own had a tough time – whether you are talking about getting a job to support a child or even being able to borrow money for a mortgage. I went to a comprehensive school. Until I was about 15 I had no interest in schoolwork and like a lot of boys did not enjoy anything to do with education. I think I am a down to earth, regular guy.

Any questions for Warwick Lightfoot?

Warwick Lightfoot was the first candidate to campaign to be the Conservative challenger to Ken Livingstone and he has written for ConservativeHome about his vision for London. Born in Barnet he was brought up in Devon. A professional economist Warwick has worked in London’s international financial markets and in the public sector and has been Special Adviser to both the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Employment. You can visit his campaign website here.

If you have any questions for Warwick Lightfoot please leave them in the thread below.