The former Apprentice candidate and MEP hopeful in the West Country Life spotlight

What makes the West Country "home" to you?

I am a West Country girl through and through. When I am coming back from London I always feel like I am heading in the right direction. I love bringing up my family here and I am happy to spend so long commuting knowing that my children are being brought up in the best part of the country.

How do you relax?

I relax at polar opposites. I love to run to escape all the thoughts and plans and ideas that are in my head, and I love to lie about and read the Sunday papers – something that becomes a complete luxury once children arrive on the scene.

When and where are you happiest?

I am happiest when I am working flat out and my phone never stops ringing, and I am equally happy when we are on our own as a family at the weekend having a picnic on the beach or walk in the rain.

What's your earliest memory?

Carrying a bread bin from our old bungalow to our new house five doors up the road in Orchard Hill, Bideford. I was determined to help with the move.

What makes you laugh?

Adversity. Sometimes being cold, wet, hungry and tired can be quite funny when you look at the bigger picture. Nothing is ever that hard.

What do you dream of?

I dream that I am late and have forgotten something. Consequently I am always early and have lots of stuff with me.

What is your greatest fear?

Being in such a rush that I dive out of the hotel and into a big meeting forgetting something really important, like my skirt.

Who do you admire, living or dead, and why?

Funnily enough, it would be my mum and dad. Mum had serious cancer when she was only my age with two young children, and dad has worked hard all his life to make sure his family were provided for. They have been brilliant parents and have done a far better job of it than I will ever do.

What is your worst habit?

Leaving stuff in hotel rooms when I am on the road. Once I left an entire wardrobe full of business suits. Someone had to go and collect it all with a suitcase. It is a hazard of travelling with work.

What possession could you not live without?

My mobile for keeping in touch with work and for letting me say night night to my girls when I am on the road.

What is your greatest frustration?

A country that is geared towards benefits and rewarding people for lack of endeavour, and taxing those who strive to work hard and provide for their families. I do not believe it is the job of a government to bring up someone's child.

What is your favourite book?

The Great Gatsby. He was a fundamentally flawed character who just wanted everyone to be happy.

What is your favourite word?

I love language. Aplomb is a brilliant word.

What would you choose to eat and drink at your last meal?

Fish and chips sitting on a sea wall.

What or who is the love of your life?

Mark is my person. My mother cannot understand how someone so nice can possibly put up with me.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Andrew Marr, Boris Johnson, Stephen Fry, Paxman, Mark, my girlfriends and my mother.

What law would you introduce if you were in charge?

You have to work to earn benefits – community work, social work, voluntary work, military work.

What single thing would improve your life?

Flights from Exeter to London or a train that got in for 8.30am starts.

What is your greatest achievement?

Feeling happy as a working woman in a tough profession, a mother with three under-fives, and a partner of a really lovely man.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I was better at international finance, and I would love to be able to back flip.

How would you like to be remembered?

She lived, she laughed, she loved.

Katie is supporting this year's RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day. Katie says: "I was delighted to get involved with the air day. I am passionate about the South West and air day is a fantastic way for a family to enjoy time together, dads and sons, whole families, grown men and their fathers. I always went to air days as a child and was captivated by the Red Arrows and the 'big old birds' still able to own the skies.

"I have been supporting the organisers raising the profile of the event with a wider audience, hunting out sponsors and promoting air day so that it will be the complete success that it deserves to be.

"I am also currently campaigning as the only independent MEP candidate for the South West. Part of my manifesto is the real pride we need to take in our armed forces and their families. Air day is the perfect opportunity to show your support for the hard work they do."

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day is on Saturday, July 11. Visit www.westerndailypress.co.uk for more information and look out for ticket offers in the Western Daily Press over the coming weeks.