John Glen MP answers ConHome's Twenty Questions for the Class of 2010
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
John Glen was elected MP for Salisbury with a majority of 5,966.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Driving home from school in 1982 discussing the Falklands War with my Dad – soon after my 8th birthday.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe in free enterprise, family and a government that enables individuals to fulfil their potential as active citizens.”
3. Who is your political hero and why?
William Wilberforce – for the determination he showed in sticking to a cause through many years when the prevailing currents of political culture were not with him.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? It has been an ambition since a visit to the Commons to meet (Sir) Richard Needham, my local MP, aged 11.
5. What is your reading material of choice? I enjoy biographies and this summer I have read Douglas Hurd’s book on Peel and Ziegler’s book on Heath. I read most of the main political blogs each day and all papers – especially the Daily Mail headlines in order to anticipate some of my email correspondence for the week ahead!
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? I like Jon Sopel who always seems quite reasonable in his approach to interviews.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? I would love to run Health or Education as they offer the most challenges and the biggest opportunity to improve the quality of life in the country.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? It has become a popular choice, but Frank Field MP has always been someone I have had a lot of respect for.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? I don’t know yet!
10. If you were in the US, would you be a Republican or a Democrat? Republican.
11. What do you enjoy doing to unwind and relax? Spending time with my wife and two step-children. I enjoy eating out and reading but watching Australian Masterchef and The X Factor with my wife and stepson has become a ritual when I am at home!
12. What is your favourite book? Alan Clark’s Diaries for the amusing honesty he displays in describing the ups and downs of political life.
13. What is your favourite film? Goodbye Mr Chips (1939 version).
14. What is your favourite music? I listen to whatever CD track is on at the time.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Steak and Chips at La Poule au Pot, Pimlico.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? The Maldives (not that I will be going anytime soon!)
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? Keep the HPA jobs at Porton Down and become known as a responsive and dedicated constituency MP as well as a respected member of the Defence Select Committee.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I am a JP (Magistrate).
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. I am privileged to have Tim Montgomerie as one of my constituents who alongside Michael Dobbs (House of Cards) and Sting (Fields of Gold) make a famous trio of people who live in the Salisbury constituency.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail.
Arriving in a packed Market Square in Salisbury on the Saturday before the election shouting out “Vote for John Glen on May 7th” from the loudspeaker.... I was glad the people of Salisbury voted on May 6th!
> Previously: Elizabeth Truss MP
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