Kathy Allen
Labour
Sutton and Cheam
Q.What are your views on the MPs' expenses issue?
A.was shocked and sickened to learn that some of those trusted to make decisions in the interest of all of us had so blatantly put their own interest first. Now, quite understandably, the electorate doubts the motives of all of us standing for office. This is another of the areas that require more regulation, not less.
Q. If you had to pick the single biggest issue you will campaign on as MP for the borough, what would that be?
A.Defend public services and the people who deliver them, for the people who receive them.
Q.What is your biggest regret?
A.Not seeing my twins who were born at 29 weeks gestation, not being able to hold the one who lived for an hour.
Q. What was your biggest achievement at school/university?
A. Starting a Socialists’ Society.
Q.Do you believe in euthanasia?
A. Voluntary euthanasia, yes.
Q. Have you ever smoked cannabis?
A. No.
Q. How did you get involved in politics?
A. Through the genes.
Q. How long have you lived in the borough?
A. I was born in St Helier Hospital 62 years ago. I went to Leicester for the university, spent the first few months of married life there but always considered my home to be in this borough. I have lived in my present home in Sutton for 40 years.
Q. Have you ever belonged to another political party?
A. No.
Q. What do you recycle?
A. Whatever I can’t reuse or mend.
Q. If you have one item on a desert island, what would it be and why?
A. A 10 gallon drum of sun-block as I burn easily.
Q. Where would you least like to live in the borough and where would you most like to live in the borough?
A. Least: my parents’ former house – too many happy memories, never to be relived. Most: Little Holland House.
Q. What is the borough's best attribute?
A. The service provided by its public servants.
Q. Do you agree with abortion or are you pro-life?
A. I believe in a woman’s sovereignty over her own body and so support the current legislation. However, in my own case, I spent 3 months on bed rest to try to save my twins, refusing the offered termination.
Q. What's your favourite biscuit?
A. Fair trade stem ginger. (Available at both the coffee shop in Sutton Library and the cafeteria in the House of Commons.)
Q. What happened when you first got drunk and did you learn your lesson?
A. It was sometime in the 60s, so I don’t remember!
Q. What annoys you?
A. Unfairness
Q. Do you do the washing up or do you get others to do it?
A. Whoever gets there first does it.
Q. Apart from a house what is the most expensive item you have bought for yourself?
A. A car.
Q. Facebook or Twitter?
A. Both, but only for campaign purposes.
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