Bob Spink is the UK Independence Party MP for Castle Point. He defected to the party from the Conservatives earlier this year.

Why did you get involved in the political world?

To make the world a better place of course.


When did you join your political party?

I joined the Conservative Party around 1984, after I decided I wanted to become an MP, they were nearer my political values at that time.


What is your earliest political memory?

Wilson's 'white hot heat of technological revolution', quickly followed by his 'devaluation pound in your pockets is still the same' speech).


Which one law would you repeal?

The European Communities Act 1972.


Which one law would you introduce?

A British Sovereignty Bill.


What’s your favourite view in the world?

The green benches of the House of Commons... so much has been achieved from there for the world over centuries.


What’s your favourite political quotation?

Churchill's 'fight them on the beaches' and 'never in the field of human conflict' of course.


What music gets you up to dance?

The Drifters; Ray Lewis is still a great star.


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?

One of Churchill's great moments during the second world war. We owe so much, and give so little, to our pensioners who saved this country and sacrificed so much for the rest of the world. The Tories and Labour continue to betray them.


Who is your best friend in politics?

A Labour MP and several superb local councillors, although they are not able to declare their closeness to me given my political affilliation.


What’s your favourite form of transport?

Legs.


What’s your favourite dish?

Indian, or whatever type of food I've not had for a while.


Do you have any phobias?

Only lying politicians and there are a few around, especially in the Tory and Labour ranks, I'm afraid.


What do you dream about?

Parliament getting back the ability to make decisions and laws. For instance, Parliament could not support our Post Offices and keep them open, even if it wanted to, and no matter how socially right it was. Unelected and at best wasteful Brussels Commissioners make the rules on this as on so much else, but politicians will not be honest about this.


When did you last cry, and why?

When I heard a beautiful young lady sing 'I will always love you'.


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

Cooked bones for my beautiful retired Greyhounds.


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

MEPs trying to avoid the cameras when signing on for their allowances in Brussels at 7 in the morning so they could go home!


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

Mrs Thatcher's 'I'm enjoying this' speech


Who’s your favourite comedian?

Ronnie Barker.


Have you ever cried at a film? Which one(s)?

Many of course.


What is your favourite novel?

Pride and Prejudice.


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

The Blair Years - but the Cameron Years will be even worse I fear.


Who would you like to say sorry to, and why?

My wonderful Dad for not spending more time with him in his better years.


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

Engineering and science and, from past experience, earning about three times as much. But the facts don't stop the wicked journalists printing scurrilous innuendo about generally superb and caring MPs on all sides of the House.


Do you have a party trick, or hidden talent?

Listening. It really astounds people when I manage to pull it off occasionally.


What’s the best holiday you have been on?

Southport as a small child, on the little railway and watching the sand sculptures built.


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

Australia.


When was the last time you used public transport?

Last week.


What do you collect?

Chimney pots.


What is your most unusual hobby?

I am a potter/sculptor.


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

Last month.


Which newspapers do you read regularly?

I don't. They are jokes.


Which websites do you visit regularly?

I google everything.


Which blogs do you love or hate?

All of them. They are uncool. Those who use them to slag off others are just so sad.


Which magazines do you subscribe to?

I used to try Private Eye but that has gone down hill these days


Which five words would your friends use about you?

Tenatious, cares about vulnerable people.


Which five words would your enemies use about you?

Too fierce in tackling local council corruption, incompetence and bad development.


Are you into sport? If so, which ones?

Cricket and I run marathons (best time for London 3.29 in my fifties).


Who is your favourite football team and player?

Joe Cole.


Who is your political hero?

Churchill, as you will have guessed.


Who is your political hate figure?

Cameron for being disingenuous and hypocritical and deceiving a public that now simply wants change at any cost.


What’s your most memorable time in politics?

Thatcher's rescue of Britain from Banana Republic status.


What’s your prediction for the next general election?

Hung Parliament. Tories biggest party, but only if Brown stays as Labour leader.


Who is your favourite and least favourite political interviewer?

To be honest, I like them as much as they like me.


What do you never miss on TV?

Party Political Broadcasts, I get really angry about the deception and hypocrisy.


Which current foreign politician do you most admire?

Barack Obama.


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

TV news.


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

... the rank hypocrisy and dishonesty.


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

... most MPs are great interesting and caring people.


What would you like your political epitaph to be?

He put his country before his career.