The truth about Paul Scriven: the Lib Dem leader who might just make you beans on toast

With promises of a greener Sheffield, less crime and fairer opportunities in the city, local Liberal Democrat and council leader Paul Scriven certainly has his work cut out for him.

The politician talks to Lorna Dockerill and reveals what makes his blood boil, floats his boat and of course what brought him to the forefront of politics…

What first attracted you to the city of Sheffield, more specifically Hunters Bar?
My job. I needed to be somewhere central for the motorway network; oh and of course my partner lived here.
I have lived here for just over 11 years all the time in Hunters Bar. It has a buzz and a charm with Eccy Road just on the doorstep and there is a great mix of students and permanent residents.

When you left school at 16 with no qualifications what was your dream?
My ambition was to become a footballer but I had neither the skill nor the talent. However later in life I did become a referee.

Why did you decide to get into politics?
I had seen many social injustices growing up on a council estate in Huddersfield. I realised that I could either sit down and complain about them, or get involved and try to fight for a more just and fair society. I am so glad I did the latter.

What do regard as the biggest achievement in your life?
Without a doubt I would say getting my degree. I was told that people like me didn't go into higher education. Like many others I did, and came out with a degree from Manchester Metropolitan university, which has opened my life up to so many different opportunities.

You love to travel, but where in the world is your favourite place to be?
I do love to travel and it really is hard to pick out one place, as each has its own charm and the people are so great in so many countries. If you were to really, really push me I would say New Zealand. It has charm, some of the most stunning scenery in the world and the people are so open and friendly.

What business do you own in the tourism industry?
My company is not really operating at present as I don't have time to spend on it, because being the Leader of the Council takes up far too much time. However, it was a small company that arranged bespoke tours to South East Asia.

What is your all time favourite food?
Erm, knowing my battle with my weight far too many foods attract me. However, if push comes to shove a very simple dish of beans on wholemeal toast dusted with black pepper and a cup of good old tea! You can take the Boy out of Huddersfield, but you can't take Huddersfield out of the Boy.

What keeps you awake at night?
My partner snoring.

Who is your idol?
I tend not to have one idol but it would be a mixture of someone with the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the compassion of Ghandi and the social justice of Lloyd George.

What would you want on your tombstone?
Avanti...Avanti...Avanti... It means forward in Italian.

What really makes your blood boil?
People dropping litter, or even worse throwing things out of their car.

And finally, how would you advise young people to go about politics in this day and age?
Change is going to happen so I would urge young people to get involved and help shape their future. It doesn't matter if it is a campaign, march, writing a letter lobbying, or joining a political party or society. Roll up your sleeves and get involved.
Sitting back and letting others shape your future may seem easy, but in long run it might just not be what you want.

To find out more about Paul log onto: http://www.paulscriven.org.uk/index.html

Paul Scriven
Fact File

Age: 43
Home town: Huddersfield
Councillor information:
Paul has been councillor of the Broomhill ward in Sheffield for nine years and Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the city for seven.
Career: After obtaining his degree from Manchester metropolitan University, Paul began working for the NHS and trained at Warwick Business School. He became the youngest hospital manager in the UK when he ran a specialist hospital in the East midlands. Paul was named one of the Top Business people in Yorkshire under 42 for his Tourism business.
Campaigns: Paul has campaigned for environment protection, for local older people to have more financial security and against labour's Post Office closures and student top up fees.