Michael Portillo is a journalist, broadcaster and a former Conservative politician. He began working for the Tories in 1976 and entered the Commons in 1984. He was a minister for 11 years and has held three Cabinet posts including as Defence Secretary.

Since leaving politics in 2005 he has developed a successful career in the media, both as a writer and broadcaster. He is a columnist for The Sunday Times and makes regular appearances on BBC1’s This Week programme and Radio 4’s The Moral Maze.

Born in north London, Portillo, 55, attended grammar school in Harrow before going to study history at Cambridge.

His father, Luis Portillo, was a civil servant of Spanish origin and settled in England after fleeing the Spanish civil war.

Earlier this month, the former politician’s documentary Death of a School Friend was broadcast on BBC2.

Portillo also chaired the judging for this year’s Man Booker Prize. He lives in central London with his wife of 26 years, Carolyn Eadie.

How much money do you have in your wallet?

About £200 or so.

What credit cards do you have?

I have a Visa card, but I also have an American Express with which I get BA air miles. I probably manage to fly using points at least once a year.

I also have my Oyster card set up so every time I run out of credit, it tops itself up on the American Express. It means every time I use my card on the train or the bus, I’m indirectly adding to my air miles tally.

Are you a saver or a spender?