As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up in Bootle in North Liverpool, like most kids, I wanted to play football for Everton. As a member of the UK Parliament Football Club, I still harbour this ambition!

How did you get involved in politics?

When I was saved about 16 years ago, I was a builder, with no formal educational qualifications. From that point onward, the Lord led me in a profoundly different direction. To my own surprise, my educational journey involved a focus upon politics from the outset. It's hard to explain, but he simply gave me a heart and vision to see politics changed for his glory and our healing. Before taking up the role of Senior Parliamentary Officer for Bible Society, I was teaching politics, social sciences and educational studies at a University in the North West of England.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Lord Alton of Liverpool. David lives by faith, has integrity, a sharp mind, and perseverance. Despite much opposition, he has never wavered in his task, and he has consistently sought to reach beyond denominational boundaries.

Who has been the biggest influence in your work?

My old pastor in Liverpool, Dave Latham, provided the essential discipleship that I needed in my early Christian walk. Historically, I would say that William Wilberforce provides an inspirational example of Christian political engagement.

What Christian story or biblical text motivates you in your work?

The whole story of the Bible is the key motivator for me, but if I was to choose a text to sum up my work and calling, it would probably be 1 Cor 26-30:
'Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are no--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."'

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in politics?

Go for it. Get filled with Holy Spirit, immerse yourself in the Word, learn about politics, connect with other believers, and remember to keep the main thing as the main thing: Jesus is Lord.

What has been the political highlight of the year for you?

Hearing Gary Streeter MP state in a Commons debate that our faith is relevant because Jesus is alive.

What would you do with a million quid?

Buy Everton a winger. No actually, I would use half to further fund projects to get Christians more extensively and effectively engaged in politics, and the other half to start a fund to create a world class Christian University in London.

Who would you put in the Big Brother house?

Canon Dr Ann Holt OBE (my boss).

What is the big issue you are facing in politics?

The myth that secularism is somehow morally neutral. This lie allows atheist extremists of every kind to have influence. It must be challenged and exposed.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Paying £93 for a Cup Final ticket this year.

So what does moral leadership in politics look like?

A lot like David Alton or William Wilberforce. Although relativism dominates politics and academia, we need to cultivate confident Christian leadership that speaks truth with grace. Our model for leadership should come from Jesus - a servant and a warrior. We people who really do believe that nothing is impossible for God. Faith is credited to us as righteousness.

What are your greatest fear and your greatest hope?

My greatest fear is that God's people will lack the bottle to cross the Jordan and fight the enemies in politics, consigning us to another 40 years in the wilderness. As politics is empty of ideas and passion, we are being presented with a window of opportunity to serve and lead. My greatest hope is that we obey God and be very strong and courageous - that we will seize the day.

What do you invest in the next generation?

I'm obsessive about supporting young people to see political engagement as being biblical, missional and possible. To that end, I have many projects developing.

Martin Luther King Jr had a dream for society. What is yours?

A society replete with previews of the Kingdom of God, and where the Bible is understood as being indispensable for achieving good government. Where the gospel is preached in power, and where it's very easy to know and love God, and therefore easier to love each other.

What is the main hindrance to living the dream?

Nominal Christians.

What's the one thing you couldn't live without?

Sky Sports

I didn't get where I am today without...

Sat-Nav.

How can we increase wellbeing in society in the next 10 years?

Beyond revival, we need to regain moral language in public discourse, and incorporate an understanding and appreciation of the spiritual dimension of our lives in public policy and broader culture.

Any recent expense claims you would like to discuss with us?

Yes - I recently put in a large expenses claim for an additional figurine for my garden. It was my second gnome.