Paul Siegert - presenter of BBC One's The Politics Show for South East England - first remembers becoming interested in politics in 1975 at the age
of nine.
"I heard on the radio that Margaret Thatcher had become leader of the
Conservative Party and ran out to tell my dad," Paul says.
"He replied that the country would never elect a woman Prime Minister. I think
that explains why it is me presenting this programme and not my dad."
Paul has been BBC South East TV's Political Correspondent since the launch of
South East Today in 2001.
He started his journalistic career working for various newspapers and radio
stations in the region before getting his on-screen break with Yorkshire
Television in Leeds.
He claims to have worked for MI6 before entering journalism. Details are
sketchy...
For The Politics Show, Paul is keen to cover the topics and issues that people really care about.
"No matter what you do in everyday life," he says, "politics is all around you,
whether it affects the price of your pint down the pub or the petrol you put in
your car.
"I hope that we have shown people that politics doesn't have to be boring and
that it can be both fun and interesting.
"I want our part of the Politics Show
to belong to the viewers, so if you have a comment or a story idea that you
think we should cover then please get in touch."
Away from journalism, Paul is learning Spanish, likes to cook and spends time
with his partner and their four chickens.
Printable version