1. Which person you have worked with has most inspired you in your career, and how?
Neil Abberley, he was Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s main coach from my first day there when I was 10 years old, until my last games in the 2nd eleven when I was 30. He is credited for being the inspiration for many international players that passed through Warwickshire’s system. He was old school and took no excuses, so could appear harsh, but was totally honest and taught me that you get out of anything only what you put in, no more, no less. He shaped me in childhood and early adulthood more than any teacher did, and was my reference when I first applied to be a Conservative party candidate.
2. Is there anything you have personally achieved or done that would surprise people?
I’m a published playwright, having written a number of educational plays for schools to perform based on historical events.
3. What one item would you save from a from your home in case of a fire?
My Winners tankard from the 1996 2nd XI County Championship title with Warwickshire CCC.
4. What do you do in your free time to relax and unwind?
Play and watch sport, especially cricket and football, and play strategy computer games like Cities Skylines.
5. What was the most inspirational and influential book you have read and why?
Anyone who knows me knows I prefer being active to sitting down and reading, but one book that has really influenced my thinking is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It’s a brilliant deconstruction of the human condition and its ideas on individualism and the philosophy of government gave greater expression to my own thinking on these issues.
Want more 5Qs? Get to know Eleonora Evi.