If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

I’m very temped to say Boris Johnson, he’d be interesting and entertaining, but then again he wasn’t much use when he got stuck on the zip wire so maybe not the best companion for a lift malfunction.

What is your biggest fear?

Cancer.

Do you have any superstitions?

I don’t really go in for superstitions.

If you could have only one song on your iPod, what would it be and why?

This is really tough. I used to be keen on rock, more recently I’ve become a fan of modern country music but throughout my tastes have been pretty eclectic. So, rather than just a song I’m going to go for a memory and pick And I Will Kiss, by Underworld, which was the music playing during the fantastic industrial revolution scenes of the Olympic opening ceremony.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought not including property?

Probably my car. It has just faithfully ticked past 90,000 miles. If I were to start adding up the costs of the cat toys, treats and climbing equipment about the house I might find that Ollie the cat has proven to be pretty pricey too.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t put the candle garden anywhere near tissues. Sadly, the advice was too late. Although the “blaze” was contained and extinguished by me throwing everything in the sink quickly.

What’s your indulgence?

A Caffe Nero classic frappé latte.

What item could you not live without?

My phone. I know it is a boring answer, but it is truthful, too. Without it I’d have no idea where I should be and when.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I enjoy public speaking. If you give me a topic and a reason to speak and I dive right in; but I’ve never been especially good at that networking small talk, I’d like to improve on that.

Where are you next going on holiday?

Sadly the closest I got to a holiday this year was Conservative Party conference in Birmingham – it was more fun than you might imagine but perhaps falls a little short of what would normally be deemed an acceptable holiday. I’ll be very busy up to the election in May and hopefully I will then be busy as the MP so I haven’t made any particular plans for 2015. However, I’ve been invited to a wedding in South Carolina next year.