Twenty Questions

Written by Graham Tope and published in Sutton Guardian on Wed 7th May 2003

Graham Tope started his political life in Sutton, where he's lived since he was three years old. In the late 1960s he was chairman of Sutton & Cheam Young Liberals. He sprang to international fame in 1969 when he was imprisoned in Prague for three weeks.

Three years later, in 1972 at the age of 29, he again hit the headlines by winning the Sutton & Cheam Parliamentary by-election, turning a 12,500 Tory majority into a 7,500 majority for the Liberals. He lost the seat in 1974, but two months later was elected to Sutton Council representing the Sutton Central ward.

Graham became Leader of Sutton Council in 1986, when the Liberal Democrats won control from the Conservatives, and held that post until 1999, when he stepped down to fight the first GLA elections in 2000. He now leads the Liberal Democrat Group on the GLA and chairs the Finance Committee of the new Metropolitan Police Authority.

For the last nine years Graham has represented the UK on the Committee of the Regions, which is a body set up in 1994 to represent regional and local government in the EU decision making process. From 1998 to 2002 he lead the European Liberal Group on that body and now chairs its Constitutional Affairs Committee dealing with the debate on the "Future of Europe".

Graham was created a Life Peer in 1994 and immediately became the Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson in the Lords on Education. He resigned that post after his election to the GLA in 2000 and is now "just a backbench Peer"!

1)What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A blue sky and a lake, surrounded by mountains – and no mobile phones!

2) How would your friends describe you?

I'm too modest to say! But I would hope that they would say I was innovative, dedicated, cosmopolitan, approachable - and a family man.

3) What was the last book you read?

Crow Lake, by Mary Lawson, a Canadian author who lives in Sutton.

4) Which living or historical figure do you most admire?

Nelson Mandela. He has done so much for peace and reconciliation.

5) If you were stranded on a desert island, which five items would you chose to have with you?

Picture of my family

Swiss army knife

Spare pair of glasses

A book

A radio

6) For what cause would you die?

I would do a better job fighting for a cause if I was still alive

7) What is your biggest fear?

Developing dementia when I get old. I'd like to go quickly and in full possession of all my faculties.

8) If you were Prime Minister, what would you change first?

I would change the electoral system to ensure that no-one's vote is wasted and everyone can vote for what they want, rather than against what they don't want.

9) What do you consider your biggest achievement?

Holding on to my council seat in 1978. It meant the Liberals kept a toe-hold, with just two seats, on Sutton Council, which was something to build on. Which we did!

10) When did you last cry?

The last time I watched a sentimental film, probably 'It's a Wonderful Life' last Christmas.

11) If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?

I would pay for the restoration of a historical building or monument.

12) Does religion have relevance in your life?

Not for me personally, although I do have my own deeply held beliefs and so can understand how important religion is for others.

13) Do you believe in love at first sight?

I think it's more like lust at first sight!

14) What was your childhood ambition?

To see the world.

15) Which country would you most like to visit and why?

New Zealand – beautiful scenery and I also have family out there.

16) How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who made a difference.

17) Do you think the congestion charge is working?

Yes, so far.

18) Considering your position as a councillor, member of the House of Lords and GLA member, how do you manage to divide your time without neglecting any of your responsibilities?

Well, I have to say that I have the support of a hardworking team to keep me organised! But a lot of the work is complementary. And it's often said that "if you want something done, ask a busy person!"

19) Do you think the Liberal Democrats will reach a stage when they replace the Conservatives as the main opposition party?

Not in Sutton - the Liberal Democrats have been the governing party here for the last 17 years. Nationally, forget opposition, more and more of the rest of the country is following Sutton's excellent example!

20) Can you see a point in time when politics will play no part in your life?

Not unless the House of Lords gets reformed into a democratically elected chamber – by which time I'll be too old to seek re-election. But even then my political beliefs would continue to play a part in my life.