How Theresa revealed all...

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Walking in the Alps in Switzerland with my husband. What is your greatest fear? Like Indiana Jones, I really don’t like snakes – although that might lead some to ask why I’m in politics! With which historical figure do you most identify? Queen Elizabeth I– a woman who knew her own mind and achieved in a male environment. Remember her speech: ‘I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman but I have the stomach of a king.’ Which living person do you most admire? I admire people who devote themselves to the care of others. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Being late all the time. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Conceit. What has been your most embarrassing moment? When I was at school they set up a debating society, and I was asked along as someone interested in politics. I picked a subject from the hat, turned to address the room and couldn’t think of a thing to say – I was silent! What is your greatest extravagance? Shoes, of course (above) – and always having fresh flowers in the house. Where would you like to live? I love living where I do, in a beautiful Berkshire village. What makes you depressed? Not getting things done; and seeing people’s lives hurt by government bureaucracy. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My nose. What is your favourite book? I love detective novels, but if I had to pick one book, it would be Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice (right). Should the Royal Family be scrapped? No. They bring What is your favourite word?

Serendipity – I don’t use it much, if at all, but I like it as a word and I like the unexpected nature of what it stands for. What is your favourite building? I work in one of the best buildings in the country – the Houses of Parliament. It is so much more than just a building: it stands for our freedom and democracy. What is your favourite journey? The journey to go on holiday in the summer. this country enormous benefits. For what cause would you die? Freedom. Do you believe in monogamy? Yes. What or who is the greatest love of your life? What? Shoes. Who? My husband, Philip. Have you ever said ‘I love you’ without meaning it? That’s a question no woman should answer. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? ‘Actually’, ‘appropriate’ and ‘issues’, as in ‘Actually we need an appropriate response to the issues.’ What is your greatest regret? Not letting my mother teach me to play the piano. When and where were you happiest? In church on my wedding day. What single thing would improve the quality of your life? An extra eight hours in the day. What would your motto be? Don’t let the b ******* get you down. Do you believe in life after death? Yes I do. I am a vicar’s daughter and still a practising member of the Church of England. How would you like to be remembered? As somebody who made a difference. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Always be true to yourself and be yourself.