Once you are a proper, serious law-maker, you can't break the laws you're writing.

I was educated privately for free because I was a scholarship girl, 100% scholarship girl. I got it on my own merits. I would never dispute that I am a privileged person. Nevertheless, when I started work I made 11 grand a year. I got my book deal on my own, my father didn't write those books for me, I did all of that entirely on my own. I stood for parliament with the amazing support and help of my ex-husband, but it's not something that was handed to me like a peerage. I worked hard and was elected. So my achievements, such as they are, are my own.

I have no ambitions to be a cabinet minister, or prime minister. I wouldn't wish being prime minister on my worst enemy.

'Kane and Abel' is the best popular fiction of all time. As a kid, I wanted to be prime minister when I read 'First Among Equals.'

I'm not embarrassed about the novels I wrote when I was younger, but I couldn't write them today because of my religion.

Money gives you the power to do whatever you want to do. I like the idea of being in complete control of my life.

Abuse directed at women is always sexual or violent.