Sutton & Cheam: Dr Brian Hammond election Q&A

Q.What are your views on the MPs' expenses issue?

A.I think any MP found guilty of what is basically fraud should feel the full wrath of the law but as they are no threat to society I believe they should serve any sentence doing community service rather than filling our prisons. I would publish all my expenses on a spreadsheet on the Internet with PDF’s to support my claims.

Q.If you had to pick the single biggest issue you will campaign on as MP for the borough, what would that be?

A. We need to bring back the feeling of safety in our community. I would campaign for short, sharp sentences in military style detention centres for offenders carrying knives or other offensive weapons. I would also campaign for community service for all convicted of being drunk and disorderly.

Q.What is your biggest regret?

A.My biggest regret was getting divorced from my best friend and the mother of my children. I had no idea of the effect this could have on families and believe there should be much more help for couples struggling with their relationship.

Q.What was your biggest achievement at school/university?

A.Winning the Canadian award for academic distinction as an undergraduate beating every candidate from Canada, Europe and the United States of America or becoming the first Chiropractor in the UK to be awarded a PhD.

Q.Do you believe in euthanasia?

A.Categorically, Yes which is why I became a chiropractor and not a medical doctor. I could never stand by and watch an animal suffer let alone a human being though I believe this needs to be very closely monitored on a case-by-case basis.

Q.Have you ever smoked cannabis?

A.No, I have been high on life since I was born though having spent some months in Cuba assisting a colleague with severe MS, I have seen the medicinal beneficial effects it can have.

Q.How did you get involved in politics?

A.I have always had an interest in politics and so many of my patients have said I should be in politics. Unfortunately, I am late to the party having only decided last month to stand for parliament.

Q.How long have you lived in the borough?

A.Apart from a short spell in neighbouring Epsom and Ewell, I have lived and worked in the Borough for the last 35 years.

Q.Have you ever belonged to another political party?

A.Yes, I have supported the conservative party when I was younger and I have voted liberal in the past but I think all MP’s should be able to vote for what is good for their country, their constituency and their conscience and not for their party.

Q.What do you recycle?

A.As much as I can – glass, paper, compost, batteries, textiles, shoes.

Q. If you have one item on a desert island, what would it be any why?

A.The Great British Harrier Jump Jet as you should always look for a solution for any predicament you are in.

Q.Where would you least like to live in the borough and where would you most like to live in the borough?

A.Quite frankly, we are so lucky in this country to have shelter, food and warmth. I could live anywhere in the Borough. I lived on a Council estate as a child and teenager with the friendliness and camaraderie but I have also enjoyed living in some of the biggest houses in the Borough although I did miss the sense of Community and felt quite remote.

Q. What is the borough's best attribute?

A.Its people and its proximity to London, the coast, the airports and the countryside.

Q.Do you agree with abortion or are you pro-life?

A. I am personally pro life but I also respect other people’s attitudes to abortion.

Q.What's your favourite biscuit?

A.Orange club, I just love chocolate!

Q. What happened when you first got drunk and did you learn your lesson?

A.I was teetotal until I was 40 when I discovered wine. I enjoy a glass or 2 but usually only with a meal.

Q.What annoys you?

A.I do not suffer fools gladly and am quite intolerant of people who do not make enough effort for the task in hand.

Q.Do you do the washing up or do you get others to do it?

A.I love loading and unloading the dishwasher.

Q.Apart from a house what is the most expensive item you have bought for yourself?

A. At the height of my career in the late 80’s I bought myself a Rolls Royce Silver Spur though I have recently purchased a car with £0 road tax.

Q. Facebook or Twitter?

A.I am grappling with Facebook and Twitter – if I have to be honest, I prefer letters and talking to people face to face.