Five Minutes With Matthew Evans, leader of the Conservative Group, Newport City Council

If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

Roman Abramovic. I wouldn’t let him leave until he agreed to invest a substantial amount in Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport County.

What is your biggest fear?

People losing the ability to think for themselves, and the nanny state.

Do you have any superstitions?

No. I’d be happy to walk under a ladder on Friday 13th.

If you could have one song on your ipod, what would it be and why?

Adagio for Strings by Tiësto [the Dutch DJ]. I find it very uplifting.

What's the most expensive thing you've bought, not including your property?

‘The Vigour of Gwyn’. It’s a SuperDragon. There was a charity auction and I bought one, it’s in my living room. [SuperDragons were made by local artists to celebrate Newport hosting the Ryder Cup in 2010].

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

“Just bloody do it!” I used to have it on a card in my office. It resonated with me.

What's your indulgence?

Too many to list in one paragraph.

What item could you not live without?

Family and friends.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I can be very impatient and struggle with political correctness. Sometimes I could be a little more diplomatic.

Where are you next going on holiday?

West Wales. It’s a little village between Cardigan and New Quay. I love the peace and tranquillity there.