03 Apr 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: MP for St Albans, deputy leader and health and social care spokesperson of the Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I can’t walk anywhere without stopping to chat with friends, neighbours or constituents, so if I want to think I’ll cycle – normally up to Sandridge, or around Colney Heath or Bricket Wood.
What items do you always carry with you?
I never quite know what my day has in store or when it will end as Parliamentary events and votes can be unpredictable – not to mention Thameslink! So I always carry everything I need for every eventuality in my handbag: mobile phone, battery charges, water bottle, sunglasses, brolley, gloves, make-up, comb, pen, paper and some emergency Haribo!
How often do you check your phone?
I’m virtually glued to it for work, but I absolutely love putting it down for hours on end when I’m taking a day off.
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
My violin. It belonged to my great grandfather so has huge sentimental value.
If you had a time machine, what year would you choose to visit and why?
2012 because of the London Olympics. It was so uplifting and the last time we felt united as a country. I’d love us all to experience that again!
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I’m asked this all the time when I go into schools – especially by girls and young women. I always say that at their age, I wish someone had told me that all that really matters is what’s in your head and your heart. The emotional energy and stress that young women (and some young men) spend worrying about their body image is devastating: I always encourage them to think about what they could achieve if they channelled all that time and energy into something else they really cared about. For some of them it can be a lightbulb moment. I wish I’d had that moment at an earlier age.
What’s your favourite meal?
My husband’s turkey bolognese. We’re reducing our red meat intake for health and environmental reasons. However, I miss the taste of beef so Rob has finessed a fantastic recipe that replicates the beefy flavour by using cocoa powder, Lea & Perrins, and a big dollop of Marmite.
When have you been most scared?
Twelve years ago I was told that without Crohn’s surgery I had four days left to live, and even with surgery, I’d probably never work again. I cried for 17 hours straight. The NHS saved my life – now I’m passionate about saving it.
Have you ever been arrested and if so for what?
No, but I was pulled over by St Albans police for stealing my own car! To explain: a utility company had moved my car for emergency essential works but moved it to outside my parking zone. I presumed it was stolen and reported it as such. A friend found it in a different parking zone a few weeks later. The first time I drove it after that, I was on one of my first dates with my now husband.
We drove to Harpenden and back but I’d forgotten to cancel the stolen car report so we were followed with flashing lights and were then pulled over… the police were very good humoured, Rob thought it was hilarious, I was mortified!
Are things getting better or worse?
Worse. We need a General Election now!
