NEIL HAMILTON is the former MP who came to epitomise the “sleaze” that embroiled the Conservatives in the 1990s.

He was found to be corrupt by a High Court judge for accepting cash in return for asking questions in parliament.

The “cash for questions affair” was initiated by Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed who claimed to have given Hamilton £50,000 as well as a free holiday at the Ritz in Paris, neither of which Hamilton declared to parliament.

Hamilton entered politics as MP for Tatton in 1983 and lost his seat in 1997.

He took Fayed to court for libel in 1999, but lost. He also lost the subsequent appeal in 2000. He was unable to pay his legal fees and was declared bankrupt.

Hamilton and his wife, Christine, have since carved out a lucrative media career and are now at the Edinburgh Fringe with their show, Lunch with the Hamiltons.

They live in Hullavington, Wiltshire, and south-west London.

How much money do you have on you?

I don’t carry a great deal of cash with me — probably no more than £50 to £60. If I need cash, I just dip into Christine’s purse. In fact, I don’t think I ever used a cash machine until earlier on this year.

Do you have any credit cards?

I have a Visa and Mastercard. I have a standing order to pay them off every month.

Are you a saver or a spender?

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