What is your first political memory?
I grew up in a political household so, although I was only four years old, I can remember Harold Macmillan resigning and Alec Douglas-Home taking over. I think it was the funny name that made it stick. I also thought the carol was ‘Hark the Harold angels sing’ and had something to do with Harold Wilson – he looms large as a political figure in my childhood.
Who is your political hero?
Helen Clark, the successful Labour prime minister of New Zealand. She’s done extraordinarily well to remain as Labour leader for over 10 years and in leading her party to victory twice.
If you were granted one political wish, what would it be?
A House of Commons that more accurately represents our society in terms of gender, race, class and the regions.
When you were a child, what did you want to be?
A ballet dancer – I’ve taken up tap-dancing again since I’ve become an MP but ballet might be a little too demanding.
If Channel Four had a ‘Big Brother parliament special’ who would you nominate for eviction first?
Anyone who can’t say what they want to say in a 10-minute speech. I can think of a few Liberal Democrats who meet that qualification.
If you had to be stranded on a desert island with someone from the opposition benches, who would it be?
Hugh Robertson, the Conservative shadow minister for sport. He’s friendly, got a good sense of humour and as he was in the army I think he would have a range of skills that would be useful.
Apart from political engagements, how do you spend the weekend?
After a week away, it’s great to spend time at home with my husband, eating home-cooked food and stroking the cats (not usually at the same time). If the weather’s fine I love to garden. I usually find time for a swim and Sunday morning is church.
What is the best and worst thing about being a new MP in Westminster?
It’s an amazing feeling to realise you are one of very few people in the country who get to do this job and a huge privilege to represent your constituents. Westminster is, however, very hierarchical so as a new MP you’re often last to be called in the chamber. The adoption bill was debated just after I was elected in 2001. I had a great deal of recent experience working in the area but was called near the end of the debate when there was less time to speak.
What would be your desert island disc and book?
A recording of The Mikado – my favourite Gilbert and Sullivan operetta – and one of Jane Austen’s novels, probably Pride and Prejudice.
If you were able to spend an hour with one dead, historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Jean Mann, Labour MP from 1945 to 1959. In her book Woman in the House she wrote of her experiences with a real sense of the difficulties and challenges of being a woman MP at that time. I’d love to have the opportunity to hear about that time first hand.