Am doing Question Time this Thursday. What do you think the questions will be?

I remember doing Question Time the Thursday after I was elected in 2005 – a terrifying thing to do to a new MP with virtually no television experience. But actually – it went well. I was sitting next to Boris – still an MP at that point in time. There was a question about whether young people should be banned from wearing hoodies in Bluewater shopping centre. I remember noting down the words ‘dress code’ and saying that any establishment was welcome to have a dress code – but in terms of hoodies – it should be about behaviour not a piece of clothing. After I spoke – Boris said ‘dress code’ definitely – and agreed with me – or words to that affect. He was very funny and whilst I don’t agree with him that much – and am still cross with him for even standing for Mayor of London (let alone winning) I’ve always had a soft spot because of his kindness that evening.

A couple of days later, I think – although memory may not be completely accurate – I met or was phoned by Shami Chakrabarti – who said she had watched Question Time and that answer signalled to her I was ‘one of us’. Much flattered – and the start of a good working relationship – which as I became spokesperson for Crime and Policing shortly afterwards was a very good thing.

Of course – it might still not happen – as last time I was lined up I was bumped off the program in favour of that Nick Clegg!