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I knew quite a lot about politics before I went to Parliament.

I think you've got to like people. There are MPs who are either painfully shy or who don't like public speaking or don't socialise very well, and you just think this must be the worst job in the world for them.

We all know what Parliament is, and we are all ashamed of it.

There's a great public disinclination toward politicians.

I'm a person who promotes the concept of accountability to a great extent, and I've spoken in the Parliament and reinforced the need for accountability.

At times I wonder whether or not your role as a member of Parliament... may in fact inhibit a relationship developing.

I understand the damage the expenses crisis has done to Parliament, and the paramount importance of restoring trust in our politics.

Public relations is at best promotion or manipulation, at worst evasion and outright deception. What it is never about is a free flow of information.

Politicians make mistakes. People misspeak in public. God knows I have proven both. A lot.

I would be open about the fact that, clearly, politicians should be able to speak to each other. David Cameron doesn't seem to accept this, but if the British people have voted then of course you have to try and provide good stable government.