John Redwood interviewed for Total Politics magazine

John Redwood recently took part in Total Politics magazine’s “Daily Politico”. A transcript of the questions, and of John’s replies, follows:

Why did you get involved in the political world?

I was fed up with so many things working badly in the UK. I wanted to privatise the inefficient nationalised industries and create wider ownership.

When did you join the Conservative Party?

As a student.

What is your earliest political memory?

The Cuban Missile Crisis.

Which one law would you repeal?

Capital Gains Tax.

Which one law would you introduce?

A Deregulation Act.

What’s your favourite view in the world?

Lord’s Cricket Ground in the sunshine.

What’s your favourite political quotation?

“I have no desire to make windows into men’s souls” – Elizabeth I

What music gets you up to dance?

Anything with a good rhythm and if I’m with good company.

If you could have been present at any debate in the House of Commons over the last three hundred years, which would it have been , and why?

The repeal of slavery.

Imagine you are planning a dinner party, pick six people (living or dead) to invite

Nelson, Wellington, Elizabeth I, Victoria, Josiah Wedgwood, Cory Aquino.

Who is your best friend in politics?

Michael Fallon.

What’s your favourite form of transport?

Car.

What’s your favourite dish?

Fish Pie.

Do you have any phobias?

No.

What do you dream about?

Some things are private!

What’s the last thing you bought in a shop?

Shoes.

What’s the funniest You Tube video you’ve recently seen?

Gordon Brown in the Commons picking his nose.

What is the best speech you have ever heard (and been present at)?

Bill Clinton to both Houses of Parliament.

What is your favourite comedy?

News Diary.

Which is your favourite political biography or autobiography?

Elizabeth I by J. E. Neale.

What is your favourite novel?

Lord of the Rings.

Name a book you have read which has failed to live up to expectations

Too many to name!

What job would you be doing if you weren’t involved in the political world?

Executive chairman of a large company.

Do you have a party trick, or hidden talent?

I like reading poetry for others.

What’s the best holiday you have been on?

Scilly Isles.

Where in the world would you most like to go on holiday?

Australia.

When was the last time you used public transport?

This morning.

When was the last time you went to the theatre and what did you see?

I went to see the Merry Wives of Windsor at the Globe last week.

What do you collect?

Memories.

What is your most unusual hobby?

Photography.

Which newspapers do you read regularly?

Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times.

Which websites do you visit regularly?

Iain Dale’s Diary, ConservativeHome.

Which magazines do you subscribe to?

None.

Which five words would your friends use about you?

Honest, energetic, consistent, decent and kind.

Which five words would your enemies use about you?

Cool, logical, humourless (and those are the kinder ones)!

Are you into sport? If so, which ones?

Yes. Cricket.

Who is your favourite football team and player

Reading and Ronaldo.

Who is your political hero?

Elizabeth II

Who is your political hate figure

Karl Marx.

What’s your most memorable time in politics?

Helping with the battle to save the Pound.

What’s your prediction for the next general election?

Conservative win.

Who is your favourite and least favourite political interviewer?

Favourite – Paxman. Least favourite – Kirsty Wark.

Which current foreign politician do you most admire?

Morgan Tsvangirai.

What do you listen to / watch when you get up in the morning?

The Today programme.

Complete this sentence: The thing I hate about politics is…

Spin.

Complete this sentence: The thing I love about politics is…

…when you do something that makes people live better.

What would you like your political epitaph to be?

He fought for liberty, democracy and limited government.