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The new Conservative MP compares navigating the corridors of Westminster to his other adventurous expeditionsLike many new MPs, I am still learning my way around the maze that is the House of Commons.

If I were PM...Derren Brown

29 Oct 2010

The master manipulator would have Stephen Fry in charge of communications What campaign stunt would you pull in an election?The few proper ‘stunts' I've done have been pretty gruelling and I have done them more out of obligation than any desire for mass attention.

Hinterland

by Danny Alexander / 17 Sep 2010

Long walks in the Highlands help the new chief secretary to the Treasury recharge his batteries and appreciate the concerns of his constituents When speaking at events or appearing in the media, I'm often asked what I enjoy outside politics.

If I were Prime Minister...Peter Sissons

17 Sep 2010

This veteran newsreader wants a corporate House of Lords and mandatory cycling proficWho would write your speeches?I would, and I'd keep them brief.

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Brought to Book

by Gavin Williamson MP / 17 Sep 2010

What is your favourite book?Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's The Leopard.

Film Review: Money never sleeps

by Andrew Rosindell MP / 17 Sep 2010

Andrew Rosindell MP reviews the long-awaited sequel to Wall Street and sees how Gordon Gekko fares in this new banking world orderWall Street: Money Never SleepsDirected by: Oliver StoneStarring: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Frank Langella and Josh BrolinReleased: 24 September It's been over two decades since compelling rogue, the aptly named Gordon Gekko, sprang onto our screens in Wall Street, the film which captured the 1980's culture of excess.

Autumn reading guide

by Keith Simpson MP / 20 Aug 2010

Keith Simpson MP suggests a variety of novels, diaries and biographies to keep politicos fully informedWith bucket and spade put back in the shed and speedos consigned to the dry cleaners, autumn is the time of a heavy parliamentary session and party conferences.

The power of the focus group

by Deborah Mattinson / 20 Aug 2010

Deborah Mattinson explains why focus groups, the subject of her new book Talking to a Brick Wall, remain key references for partiesEight swing voters assemble in a suburban sitting room.

Off the record...Researchers' stories

20 Aug 2010

From fake nails to poor diplomatic relations, we take another dip into the pool of anonymous tales from deep inside WestminsterOops-a-daisyMy MP had asked me to send a bunch of flowers (not on expenses) to celebrate the first birthday of a local charity in the constituency.

Top Ten...Political power couples

20 Aug 2010

We shortlist the political partnerships in which two heads have proved more powerful than one Jo Swinson and Duncan HamesThis newly-engaged couple demonstrated how tech-savvy they were by announcing their engagement on Twitter.

Hinterland

by Jackson Carlaw / 23 Jul 2010

The strictly non-sporty Conservative MSP became hooked on skiing at the age of 50 "What are you going to do with yourself now?" I was asked when I turned 50 last April.

If I were PM...Russell Kane

23 Jul 2010

Amanda Holden handling spin and a cockle shed in place of No 11What campaign stunt would you pull in an election?I'd explode onto the scene with a direct answers policy.

Top Ten...Bus pass politicians

29 Oct 2010

As Ken Clarke and Vince Cable get stuck into their new ministerial roles at the ages of 70 and 67 respectively, we look at other politicians who just keep going Tony Benn - 85The former cabinet minister served as an RAF pilot in South Africa during the Second World War.

Off the record...Researchers' stories

17 Sep 2010

How not to impress the votersI had arranged to meet some constituents in the entrance to Westminster Hall to give them a tour permit.

Top Ten...Political visions

17 Sep 2010

After David Cameron launched the Big Society and his vision of an improved Britain, we look back at otherpoliticians and their ideas for the way we should live our livesBlair - Respect campaign, 2005Tony Blair spoke of "a proper sense of respect" in local life in which anti-social behaviour would be wiped out.

Book Reviews: Chronicling a new era

by Keith Simpson MP & Mary Honeyball MEP / 17 Sep 2010

Keith Simpson MP finds a guide to the House of Commons is far from flawless but nevertheless makes fascinating readingThe Times Guide to the House of Commons 2010Edited by Greg HurstTimes Books, £55The sub-heading to the title of this book is "the defi nitive record of Britain's historic 2010 general election.

Election art: Strike a pose

by Ben Duckworth / 17 Sep 2010

Ben Duckworth gets a viewing of the work of the House of Commons' first-ever election artistDuring the campaigning days of this year's general election, Simon Roberts drove a motorhome around the UK chronicling candidates of all political persuasions.

Political life exists beyond Westminster

17 Sep 2010

A rough guide to the European Parliament, Strasbourg's excellent tarte flambé and how to survive the Brussels bubbleBack in September 2006 I swapped Westminster for Brussels, tired of the sterility of British political debate and keen to live and work abroad.