21 Aug 2010 06:23:46
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Damian Collins was elected MP for Folkestone and Hythe with a majority of 10,122.
1. What is your earliest political memory?
When I was nine, going to the polling station with my mother when she voted in the 1983 general election.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I want to be free."
3. Who is your political hero and why? There are many politicians I admire, including, like most Conservatives, Margaret Thatcher. However, I have always thought Thomas More to be a heroic figure. He tried to use all his intelligence and political skill to reconcile himself and his master, but when there was no way out, put his conscience before his life.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? I got involved in politics for the first time during the 1992 election campaign and then at University. But I really decided to stand for parliament after the 2001 general election. I felt that rather than stand back and watch, I had to get involved.
5. What is your reading material of choice? For light relief I am currently reading Steve Turner's excellent book Hard Day's Write about the writing of each of the Lennon/McCartney Beatles songs. I have a reading interest in American politics and am enjoying a copy of Arthur Schlesinger's Thousand Days which was given to me by a friend after the election. Like most of my colleagues, I've enjoyed the entries in the new Times Guide to the House of Commons, and look at ConservativeHome every day. And finally, I am a regular reader to my children of that model of the Big Society - Peppa Pig.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio?
It's hard to look beyond Andrew Neil and Eddie Mair.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? I have been calling for Dungeness in my constituency to be included on the list of preferred sites for a new nuclear power station, so if I was running the Department of Energy, I know what I would do.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? I recently read Thurston Clarke's excellent book The Last Campaign about Robert Kennedy's short and tragic Presidential campaign in 1968. You have to admire his sheer guts, as a politician, and a man.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? The lift repair man.
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? Playing with my children; Cooking with Jamie Oliver; Watching Manchester United.
12. What is your favourite book? The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
13. What is your favourite film? The Godfather.
14. What is your favourite music? Oasis, Amy Winehouse, The Kinks and Frank Sinatra.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Barbecue at home in Elham with family and friends.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? We are holidaying at home in Kent this year, taking in Port Lympne zoo, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, and the beaches at Greatstone, Dymchurch and Folkestone. Sarah and I both love Italy, particularly Venice and Sardinia, where we spent our honeymoon.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament?
Securing support for a new power station at Dungeness.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I was a team captain in Jeremy Paxman's first series asking the questions on University Challenge.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. Folkestone was the main port for men to go to and from the Western Front during the First World War. It is believed that nine million men passed through the town during the war.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. On the last two days of the campaign we had the glamorous assistance of two observers from the Ukrainian Embassy, who also gallantly helped with the knocking up in Lydd in the final hours.
> Previously: Jason McCartney MP
20 Aug 2010 06:30:22
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Jason McCartney was elected MP for Colne Valley with a majority of 4,837.
1. What is your earliest political memory? My Dad being happy that the armed forces were going to get a long overdue pay rise when Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979. My Dad was in the RAF.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I'm a patriot who loves our country's freedoms, sense of fair play, decency and opportunity for all."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Winston Churchill, he inspired a nation to pull together and defeat Hitler.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? It crossed my mind when Cecil Parkinson visited my school but I really seriously thought about it about five or six years ago.
5. What is your reading material of choice? Sporting biographies, Huddersfield Examiner, Yorkshire Post, The Guardian, The Times, Huddersfield Town FC matchday programme, ConHome, Iain Dale and Huddersfield Town websites.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Ben Erlam for ITV Yorkshire and Carolyn Quinn on Radio 4's PM programme. Carolyn was about to interview me live on the PM programme about my first day as an MP in Westminster just as Gordon Brown was announcing his resignation as PM.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Defence - I'm a former RAF Officer; or DCMS - I'm also a former BBC/ITV journalist and a sports nut.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Peter Wishart of the SNP - I was incorrectly told I'd been allocated Peter's Westminster office after 6 weeks of hotdesking. He knew nothing about it but was charm personified and saw the funny side. We are now neighbours in the Upper Committee corridor.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? It's already happened - let's just say he's been recently ennobled...
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? Watching Huddersfield Town FC, but it's not always that relaxing.
12. What is your favourite book? George Orwell's 1984.
13. What is your favourite film? Good Night, and Good Luck - George Clooney's atmospheric take on real life story of how a TV journalist took on Senator McCarthy. I also watch Zulu at least once a year.
14. What is your favourite music? The Clash, Andrea Bocelli and Honley Male Voice choir (my Dad's in it).
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? A curry with my constituency team at the Monsoon Tandoori in Slaithwaite.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Xativa in Spain.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? Continue my campaigns for local services in my constituency - post offices, bus services and the return of full maternity care to Huddersfield.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I was based in Las Vegas with the RAF.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency.
BBC 1's Last of the Summer Wine was filmed in Holmfirth and although the long running series has been pulled, there's now a real vineyard just up the Holme valley.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Heavy rain caused a couple of the letters to be washed off one of my large banners on a main road. So whilst out canvassing in a busy village centre I called the banner company on my mobile phone, and oblivious to the public in earshot, I proceeded to ask for "a little e, I really need a little e". My campaign manager tapped me on my shoulder and suggested it wasn't a good idea to be saying that in public!
> Previously: Alun Cairns MP
19 Aug 2010 06:32:01
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Alun Cairns was elected MP for Vale of Glamorgan with a majority of 4,307.
1. What is your earliest political memory? The Falklands War.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe that work and effort should be rewarded.”
3. Who is your political hero and why? Margaret Thatcher, because of the economic transformation she brought about.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? When there was a fear/risk of a Labour government in 1995.
5. What is your reading material of choice? PoliticsHome, ConservativeHome, Glamorgan Gem, Barry and District News, Glamorgan Gazette and Harvard Business Review.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Jeremy Paxman.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Business, Innovation and Skills - to make Britain more competitive.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Peter Mandelson - because of his brass neck.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? No-one - they are tiny.
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?
Ski and cycle.
12. What is your favourite book? The Downing Street Years by Margaret Thatcher.
13. What is your favourite film? The Shawshank Redemption.
14. What is your favourite music? Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Fish and chips on Barry Island.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Bardi, Emilia Romagna.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? The respect from constituents in the Vale of Glamorgan.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. My first job was a petrol pump attendant - when we had them!
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency.
The Essex home in Gavin and Stacey is actually in Dinas Powys, about 5 miles from Barry!
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. After introducing myself on a doorstep, the man responded: “Of course I will vote for you. We need to do all we can to keep that Cairns guy out!”
> Previously: Andrew Bridgen MP
18 Aug 2010 06:05:56
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Andrew Bridgen was elected MP for North West Leicestershire with a majority of 7,511.
1. What is your earliest political memory? I was about seven years old during the fuel crisis of the early 1970s and I can vividly remember my mother getting upset about the price of petrol at the pumps and hearing her say that “if it gets to over £1 a gallon I will stop buying it!”
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… history will judge that Conservative policies are the ones that work.”
3. Who is your political hero and why? Winston Churchill - great statesman, great orator, great writer.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? I had always been interested, but the Conservative defeat in 2005 galvanised my resolve to make a real difference.
5. What is your reading material of choice? It depends on how much time I have got: in the week it tends to be online information (ConservativeHome, broadsheet newspaper websites, various blog sites) and at weekends I enjoy reading newspapers (the Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday). On holiday and when I have more time I love to read books.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Andrew Neil is a most jovial assassin.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Business, Innovation and Skills - I find this attractive as a former entrepreneur and going for growth is far more satisfying than cutting budgets, but both are unfortunately essential.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Frank Field MP.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? John Prescott (now known as the Red Baron) - his visage looks very similar to that of a bulldog chewing a wasp.
10. If you were in the US, would you be a Republican or a Democrat? Republican on most issues.
11. What do you enjoy doing to unwind and relax? Spending time with the children, I enjoy the company you meet in the great British pub, dinner with friends. I also enjoy driving my sports car.
12. What is your favourite book? Whatever I am reading at the moment.
13. What is your favourite film? The Italian Job (the original version).
14. What is your favourite music? All sorts depending on my mood, however with regards to lots of the contemporary pop I believe my tastes have become those I remember my father espousing in the early 1980s (he was wrong then and I am probably wrong now).
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Sunday lunch with friends and family in our dining room at home in the constituency.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? The Island of Menorca where my mother and father have lived for the past two decades.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? A reputation as a hardworking and diligent constituency MP.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I won my first election when I was 15 when I was elected head boy of Pingle Comprehensive School in Swadlincote by my peers.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. North West Leicestershire had the highest turnout in the country at the 1992 General Election when 85.2% of the electorate turned out to vote and the seat remained Conservative, despite the Labour candidate polling over 27,000 votes. Also, Appleby Parva in my constituency was calculated to be the centre of population of Great Britain in 2000.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. I spoke at an event in a “safe” Conservative seat before the General Election. I gave an account of the campaigning methods, techniques and tools we were using to win the next election for the Conservatives in North West Leicestershire. At the end of the talk a member of their association came up to me, thanked me for the talk and told me that it was reassuring to discover that the Conservatives did this as well, as it was exactly what the Liberals had been doing in their constituency for years!
> Previously: Brandon Lewis MP
17 Aug 2010 07:00:00
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Brandon Lewis was elected MP for Great Yarmouth with a majority of 4,276.
1. What is your earliest political memory?
Helping Robin Squire MP by delivering leaflets in Hornchurch many years ago.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe in freedom of choice and small government."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Abraham Lincoln, an amazing man who overcame adversity with dignity and determination.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? In about 1998 when as a new councillor I came to see that you really can make a difference, even if only small sometimes.
5. What is your reading material of choice? ConservativeHome (of course), historical books (factual and fiction like Bernard Cornwell), sport books and magazines (reading up on triathlons!!).
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Jeremy Paxman on TV and John Humphrys on radio.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Am very happy with the job I have :-)
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Bill Clinton for being an amazing communicator, putting aside much of his politics.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? Gordon Brown.
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? Time with the family, cinema and sport.
12. What is your favourite book? A Team of Rivals by Doris Goodwin for factual and Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell for fiction.
13. What is your favourite film? Shawshank Redemption.
14. What is your favourite music? Have a fairly eclectic taste. Not heard a bad Queen song though..
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? With my family and my wife's roast dinner. If going out: Japanese.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Skiing.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? To repay the trust that the people of Great Yarmouth put in me and help promote Great Yarmouth and what it has and can do.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I have done two London Marathons and want to do a triathlon.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. We are the second largest seaside tourist resort in the country, so come visit and help make us number one.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Being mad enough to go for a two-hour walk to relax after fourteen hours a day walking each day, on an afternoon off!!
> Previously: Dominic Raab MP
16 Aug 2010 07:00:00
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Dominic Raab was elected MP for Esher and Walton with a majority of 18,593.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Watching the Berlin wall come down on TV, followed by the collapse of the Iron Curtain. I remember Reagan’s moral clarity (‘Tear this wall down’) two years earlier. My father was Czech – he came over in 1938 - so it also felt personal to me. It showed what courage and patience can achieve.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe in freedom."
3. Who is your political hero and why? I don’t really do heroes. But, I like stubborn optimists like Reagan, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Aung Suu Kyi.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? Over the summer of 2008.
5. What is your reading material of choice?
It varies. This summer, I’m reading David Willett’s The Pinch and a history of Alfred The Great (after I found out he introduced the word ‘freedom’ into the English language).
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Jeff Randall.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? The Foreign Office. Britain is at a crossroads.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? David Trimble, for taking the tough decisions that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift?
Pass.
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? Sport, I train at a local boxing club. And relaxing with my wife and family.
12. What is your favourite book? War and Peace by Tolstoy.
13. What is your favourite film? Carlito’s Way.
14. What is your favourite music? Stevie Wonder or Alicia Keys.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Curry. There’s a great Nepalese restaurant in Esher.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? South of Brazil, to see my wife’s family – they have a quiet place on the beach.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament?
Help the government deliver our deficit reduction plan, local democracy agenda and Freedom Bill.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I defended Tony Blair from subpoena, by Slobodan Milosevic, when he was on trial in The Hague.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. The Diggers, agrarian communists, were based there during the civil war.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Knocking on one door at bath time, to be quizzed by some young parents on school discipline, as their two soaking children made a run for it.
> Previously: Thérèse Coffey MP
15 Aug 2010 07:00:00
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Thérèse Coffey was elected MP for Suffolk Coastal with a majority of 9,128.
1. What is your earliest political memory? My parents, along with 30,000 other Liverpool City Council employees, being made redundant by Derek Hatton and his crew.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe in families, aspiration, responsibility, enterprise and defence of our country."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Margaret Thatcher; she stood up for Britain, for enterprise and for freedom; plus is the only science graduate ever to have been PM.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? About 2000.
5. What is your reading material of choice? On the internet I read the Tory Trinity of ConHome, Iain Dale and Guido Fawkes plus Coffee House, PoliticsHome, John Redwood and the Telegraph Blogs. I also go to many links off Twitter so follow Paul Waugh as a journalist and a variety of other MPs, esp. Labour links. I also read my local papers, but much prefer to listen than to read.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Anita Anand, although she is still on maternity leave so Nick Robinson.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why?
I'm not aware you got a choice; given my constituency, DEFRA to restore the countryside and the coast at the heart of Whitehall.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire?
I always find this difficult but in this Parliament, I have been impressed by Caroline Flint on her challenge on the anonymity of rape defendants.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? One of the many mice/rats prevalent across the Houses of Parliament (The Commoners make do with mice; I understand the Other Place has the rats.)
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? Sleep!
12. What is your favourite book? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
13. What is your favourite film? My Best Friend's Wedding.
14. What is your favourite music? Muse / Fauré.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? The answer to my favourite meal changes but I will usually go for Roast Beef and all the trimmings; anywhere that is with good friends, pooch, family and a fine glass of wine or beer - preferably a pub with a crackling fire.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Apart from Suffolk and the UK (we have such a varied island with so many fine places to visit), the USA.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament?
Be a good constituency MP, broadband across Suffolk, securing A12 bypass and changing government policy on coastal/estuary protection.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I can play the trombone.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. Average rainfall in Suffolk Coastal is similar to Jerusalem.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. It was such a short campaign and plenty of good humour but perhaps it was being challenged by a constituent (who had told me she was not going to vote for me anyway) about whether or not I had been to her village; when I checked the map and told her the specific roads that I had been to, I was duly chastised and told that I had gone to the "wrong side of the village". It made me chuckle that in such a small village that the perceived divides can be so big.
> Previously: Mike Weatherley MP
14 Aug 2010 06:08:41
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Mike Weatherley was elected MP for Hove with a majority of 1,868.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Breaking the Socialist Workers' canteen boycott at University.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe in personal freedom"
3. Who is your political hero and why? Sir Keith Joseph. His views on free markets changed my life.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? 1999 when an article in the local paper asked candidates to come forward for a selection.
5. What is your reading material of choice? Metal Hammer.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Briony Leyland (BBC South)
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why?
Culture, Media and Sport. I have a strong interest in music (passion!), sport (varied and many) and films.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Lembit Opik - not really because of his policies but the way he got notoriety with ease (although if I was to emulate his 'notoriety' I'd prefer it was due to political successes rather than gaffes!).
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? Gordon Brown.
10. If you were in the US, would you be a Republican or a Democrat? I'd move.
11. What do you enjoy doing to unwind and relax? Listen to very loud rock music.
12. What is your favourite book? Filth by Irvine Walsh.
13. What is your favourite film? One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
14. What is your favourite music? Heavy metal. From Iron Maiden to Bullet For My Valentine.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Cheese, a good selection of cured hams and wine. At La Cave à Fromage in Western Road, Hove.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Rio De Janeiro.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? To be the Parliamentary champion of film and music - and locally to build upon Hove's excellent base and start the process of expanding the constituency into a major media and cultural centre.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. Does a tattoo count? It has the inscription 'Live for the moment'.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. Hove was an early pioneer of films - it all started here!
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Can't do one - I'm totally humbled by the huge number of really fantastic people involved in the local community and each has its own story worthy of telling.
> Previously: Chris Kelly MP
13 Aug 2010 06:25:21
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Chris Kelly was elected MP for Dudley South with a majority of 3,856.
1. What is your earliest political memory? The return of our victorious expeditionary forces from the Falklands War.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe passionately in nationhood, freedom, democracy, security, community, capitalism, choice, enterprise and deregulation."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Margaret Thatcher, because she saved our country from socialism.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? In late 2005 as I finished working for Michael Howard, who was about to pass the baton of the leadership onto David Cameron..
5. What is your reading material of choice? ConservativeHome every day, naturally. Centre right newspapers, namely the Telegraph and the Mail. The Express & Star website and newspaper.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Jeremy Paxman.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The new Government's commerce centred approach to international relations is absolutely essential -- I would be very happy to be involved further down the line.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? My friend Frank Field, one of the most courteous and friendly people in British politics.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? Let's not go there...!
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? Swimming lengths followed by the sauna. Running. Playing tennis or squash.
12. What is your favourite book? The Road to Serfdom by Hayek.
13. What is your favourite film? Anything with Robert Pattinson.
14. What is your favourite music? Simple - The Beatles. I could take a degree in Beatles trivia.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Fresh fish in a Mediterranean costal resort.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? The ski slopes in the Alps.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? I want to provide the residents of Dudley South with an excellent service as their Member of Parliament and continue to be as open and accessible as I was during my three years as the PPC. I want to achieve fairer funding from Whitehall for my residents in the Dudley Borough, particularly in comparison to neighbouring Black Country metropolitan boroughs.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. Both of my grandfathers were immigrants into this country (one from Ireland, one from Cyprus).
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. Dudley South has an extremely high concentration of SMEs and, in The Pensnett Estate, has the largest secure industrial/trading estate in Europe. We need to trade our way out of recession and I'm confident that, with the supportive policies of the new Government, the existing (and yet to be formed) businesses of Dudley South will do their bit.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Realising that three years of hard work had paid off on the evening of the general election when, whilst knocking up pledges, I didn't have chance to introduce myself - residents were introducing themselves to me and reciting my name back to me along with assurances that they had already been out and voted Conservative.
> Previously: Dan Byles MP
12 Aug 2010 06:40:34
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Dan Byles was elected MP for North Warwickshire with a majority of 54.
1. What is your earliest political memory? The Falklands War. I don't remember taking in much detail at the time, but I remember seeing it on the news and seeing Margaret Thatcher and knowing that she was our leader. I had the good fortune to meet Margaret Thatcher for the first time earlier this year and managed to have a few words with her. Most people before me had queued up to take it in turns to tell her how inspirational she was and how honoured they were to meet her. Rather than repeat the same sentiment once again, I simply told her that I was brought up as a school child in the 1980s, and that for years I didn't think it was possible to have a Prime Minister who wasn't Margaret Thatcher. She roared with laughter.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe in freedom with responsibility. I believe in low tax free market economics tempered by sensible and thrifty government. I believe in justice and the rule of law. I believe in walking softly and carrying a big stick. I believe in trusting families and communities. I believe in choice, aspiration and opportunity for all. I believe in simplicity and common sense in government. I believe in democracy. And I believe that Britain is and has been a force for good in the world. I am proud of my country and proud to be a Conservative."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Boris Johnson, because he is unspun, and says what he thinks. With Boris, what you see is what you get. That is how politics should be, but sadly the way the media coverage of politics has evolved in recent years allows so few top politicians to actually be themselves like he can.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? I felt I had no choice after becoming very disillusioned with politics and politicians when I served as a Staff Officer in the Ministry of Defence during the Iraq invason. I initially supported the invasion, because the Prime Minister at the time stood before the nation and effectively said "If you knew what I know, you would understand why we must do this". I took him at his word. When it became clear Tony Blair knew no more than the rest of us, but was willing to commit British troops to war regardless, I lost faith and decided that I should leave the Army to stand for election..
5. What is your reading material of choice? I love to read books, but I have so little time. I love to relax with the Sunday papers but I rarely have the opportunity. In practice, most of my reading is now done online and is mostly news and politics (sadly!). I try to read ConservativeHome and politicalbetting.com every day. I also try to read the daily Dilbert strip every day to remind myself of how absurd life can be.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Eddie Mair on Radio 4's PM. He is always so calm and friendly sounding, and yet often cuts through the nonsense with a really incisive question that looks like a gentle underarm but is actually a vicious googly.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why?
There is so much to do that this is actually quite a difficult question. Defence is obviously a department where I feel I could make a serious contribution, but having been an Army officer for nine years that probably rules me out on the grounds that I would know too much! Energy also interests me, because I am genuinely concerned about UK energy security. But at the end of the day, who wouldn't want to be Chancellor of the Exchequer (mmm... does having studied economics at university rule me out of that one too?)?
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Mo Mowlam.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? A group of more than two others. They are very small lifts.
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? Currently struggling to remember what relaxing feels like, but when I can I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, and spending some rare quiet time with my wife.
12. What is your favourite book? Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Anything by Terry Pratchett.
13. What is your favourite film? Withnail and I.
14. What is your favourite music? I listen to a wide variety of music, but my heart is pretty much stuck in the 80s and early 90s. Songs from my time at school and university.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? To have the time to cook something nice myself, and to have a small group of our closest friends around to enjoy it at our house with some good wine late into the evening.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? I love tropical beaches with good scuba diving and good food. I love South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore). The food is fantastic and the people are so friendly.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? I want to learn to be an effective backbench MP, while not getting assimilated by the Westminster machine. I can see how easy it must be to be become institutionalised by the place.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I share two entries in the Guinness Book of World Records with my mother [for rowing across the Atlantic in 101 days in a 23-foot wooden rowing boat and for walking and skiing 350 miles from Resolute, Nunavut to the Magnetic North Pole in 20 days and 5 hours].
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. The annual Atherstone Ball Game dates back some 900 years and on average hospitalises about two people every year.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. I owe my selection as PPC three years ago to a cat called Tia. The selection panel were looking through applicants' CVs to choose the initial shortlist. They put them into four piles on the floor as they discussed them: Yes; No; Maybe; and my CV was in a pile all of its own as the 'wildcard'. I didn't meet the criteria they were looking for - someone experienced who had fought a seat before and could hit the ground running. But my CV was interesting enough that they felt they wanted to meet me. Tia the cat strolled over to my CV and sat on it. They shooed her away and moved me to another part of the floor. Tia followed and sat on my CV again. When this happened a third time, it was decided that Tia had voted for me and so they threw me into the shortlist. I went on to be selected and to win the seat for the Conservatives for the first time since 1987.
> Previously: Nigel Adams MP
11 Aug 2010 06:47:03
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Nigel Adams was elected MP for Selby and Ainsty with a majority of 12,265.
1. What is your earliest political memory? My parents being helped by the late Selby MP, Michael Alison in the early seventies.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… of the values that I grew up with. Personal responsibility. Family. Opportunity for everyone regardless of upbringing. It is also the Party that genuinely believes in giving people more power and control over their lives."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Margaret Thatcher, for reversing our nation’s decline of the late 1970s.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? Just after selling my first business in 1999.
5. What is your reading material of choice? Selby Times & Post, Yorkshire Post, The Press, Guido Fawkes and ConservativeHome obviously.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Harry Gration (from BBC's Look North)
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? DCMS. Putting the Olympics to one side, DCMS can play a major part in promoting economic recovery through the creative industries and tourism.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Kate Hoey.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? For very different reasons, it’s a toss up between Dennis Skinner and Cyril Smith.
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? Playing cricket, theatre and rock concerts.
12. What is your favourite book? Penguins Stopped Play by Harry Thompson.
13. What is your favourite film? Most things with Jack Black in but in particular Nacho Libre.
14. What is your favourite music? Green Day, best live band in the world.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Breakfast at Sandy Lane.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Italy.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? To be a hard working and effective advocate for my constituents and play a part in helping the Government begin to reverse thirteen years of Labour waste and failure.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I once played the part of Kenickie in the musical Grease. The video evidence is safely locked away.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. King Henry I (reigned 1100 – 1135) was born in Selby c.1068.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. My Lib Dem opponent emailing a voter and telling him that he should vote Conservative (as featured on ConHome).
> Previously: Andrea Leadsom MP
10 Aug 2010 07:00:00
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Andrea Leadsom was elected MP for South Northamptonshire with a majority of 20,478.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Sitting round the dinner table aged 13 discussing nuclear war - my Mum was in favour of an independent nuclear deterrent, my Dad in favour of unilateral disarmament...
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I have always believed I could make this country a better place. I want to do that now more than ever".
3. Who is your political hero and why? Aung San Suu Kyi because she has made the most unbelievable personal sacrifices of family and freedom to try and free her people from tyranny.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? Aged 13.
5. What is your reading material of choice? Newspapers; adventurous or heroic or historical novels; news and comment websites.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Jeremy Vine - he combines good intellect with good manners, proving political discussion can be civilised.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Treasury - we need to sort out the banks, get our economy back on track and invest in preventing social breakdown.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Barack Obama.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? I'd rather be stuck with anyone than alone - it's too claustrophobic in those lifts...
10. If you were in the US, would you be a Republican or a Democrat? Depends on the President. I would be a Democrat today, but a Republican in Reagan's day.
11. What do you enjoy doing to unwind and relax? Dinner parties with friends; spending time with my husband; being with my children.
12. What is your favourite book? Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks - it's unforgettable and made me realise both how tragic war is and what a huge debt we owe those who fight for us.
13. What is your favourite film? Hard to say, but I have to watch Four Weddings and a Funeral every couple of years because it makes me laugh every time!
14. What is your favourite music? Best song of all time is Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody for the memories of singing it with my sisters as kids and seeing my own three singing it to us now; I love Jason Mraz, Lily Allen, loads of different stuff.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Roast anything, at home with my husband, children and my Mum on a Sunday, cooked by me and loved by them...
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Kitzbühel, Austria.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? Solve the world's problems - that's all.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. Nah - that could only be a bit of self promotion.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. It is as far from the sea as you can get in Britain; it is home to the Silverstone Circuit and the British Grand Prix.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. I was handing out leaflets in Towcester and met Keith, who was very cynical about politics, saying he doesn't vote as no politician has ever bothered to seek his support. A few days later, I was canvassing and knocked on a door in Towcester, when who should open it but Keith... We laughed and he said I had obviously followed him home to try and prove him wrong. A week later was polling day and I was telling outside one of Towcester's polling stations. Yes, Keith walked in! I now often see him at the Job Club I set up in Towcester and he no longer thinks politicians ignore him.
> Previously: Gordon Henderson MP
9 Aug 2010 07:00:00
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Gordon Henderson was elected MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey with a majority of 12,383.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Harold Macmillan's "Night of the Long Knives".
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I believe that individuals know better how to run their lives than the State".
3. Who is your political hero and why? Winston Churchill, who epitomises all that is best about Britain.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? 1983, when I was the constituency agent to Roger Gale.
5. What is your reading material of choice? Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and my four local newspapers (these are my No. 1 priority), the BBC website and ConservativeHome.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? John Humphrys.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Business, Industry and Skills; so that I could do something to reduce the burden of regulation on businesses.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Nigel Farage.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? Gordon Brown.
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? Reading and writing.
12. What is your favourite book? The Stand by Stephen King
13. What is your favourite film? Jesus Christ Superstar.
14. What is your favourite music? Anything by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Keane or Coldplay.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? My local Chinese restaurant.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Goa.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? Represent the people of Sittingbourne and Sheppey to the best of my ability.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I failed my 11 Plus test.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency.
It is the only constituency in the South of England with a port, a steel works, a paper mill and three prisons!
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. I was doing a question and answer session at a local primary school when one of the youngsters asked me how old I was. I replied that I was 62 and he immediately came back with: "You've worn well!"
> Previously: Angie Bray MP
8 Aug 2010 07:00:00
Here is the latest in our series of Twenty Questions with members of the Class of 2010...
Angie Bray was elected MP for Ealing Central and Acton with a majority of 3,716.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Asking my father during one of our family Sunday lunches if Harold Wilson (the then new PM) was a socialist and if that meant he was a very bad man.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… I can't stand bossy big government".
3. Who is your political hero and why? My political hero is my father who encouraged me to take an early interest in politics through discussions round the lunch table and who inspired in me Conservative core values and beliefs.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? While I was working for LBC radio as a reporter and presenter.
5. What is your reading material of choice? Books about history, Times/Telegraph/Mail plus Sunday versions, UK Polling Report, ConservativeHome, other MPs' websites, eBay.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Nick Robinson
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Transport because it is going to be a key driver of the economic recovery and because it has a number of major impacts within my constituency.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Frank Field MP.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? Any MP on their way to making a major speech in the chamber.
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? Walking our dogs, playing tennis and playing the piano.
12. What is your favourite book? Samarkand by Amin Maalouf.
13. What is your favourite film? Dr. Zhivago.
14. What is your favourite music? My old favourites from the 1960s and 1980s.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Dinner at home with Nigel, my partner, and the dogs in front of a good programme on the TV.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Italy.
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? To be seen as a good local MP and to help build the Conservative Party's reputation for good government.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. My first ambition when I was about 7 years old was to be the first woman astronaut.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. The previous Ealing police station which was at 5 Ealing High Street was used in the opening titles of Dixon of Dock Green every week.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. On being canvassed outside Turnham Green tube station, a young woman told us she was definitely going to vote for the Conservatives. When asked how she voted last time, she said "Workers Revolutionary Party". Definitely the most dramatic switcher we came across during the campaign!
> Previously: Bob Stewart MP
7 Aug 2010 06:52:45
Now that most of the new intake of Conservatives MPs have settled into life at Westminster and made their maiden speeches, ConHome has invited them all to answer twenty questions to help us get to know them a little better.
The first MP to be featured is Bob Stewart, who was elected MP for Beckenham with a majority of 17,784.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Meeting the British High Commissioner to Aden in 1955.
2. Complete the sentence: “I’m a Conservative because… It is the party which I believes most cares for every single person in this country - rich or poor - and guards the traditions and character of Britain."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Winston Churchill because of his courage.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? May 2009.
5. What is your reading material of choice? I always look at ConHome, BBC News, and Iain Dale on the internet.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Dan Damon of BBC World Service.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Defence, because I have been a soldier for most of my adult life.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Hilary Benn.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? I don't answer that sort of question.
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? Being free to do anything I like.
12. What is your favourite book? What is History? by E.H. Carr.
13. What is your favourite film? The Dam Busters, which I first saw in 1954.
14. What is your favourite music? Who widna fecht for Charlie.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Fried calamari and a cold beer on the terrace of The Rock Hotel, Gibraltar.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Cyprus - because I spent some of my childhood there
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? Understanding how the place works and being an effective backbencher.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I guarded Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison, Berlin.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. William Wilberforce announced, in Mr Pitt's garden, that he intended to emancipate slaves by bringing a bill to that effect before Parliament.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Being invited in for champagne by some exceptionally kind people in Keston - I overstayed my welcome!
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