On The Spot With Julie Tumilty

What was your first job?

Hair washing at Vidal Sassoon on Albion Street in Leeds.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

I would want to be a politician – there are so many things I’d like to change – but I’m not sure I’d survive. The frustration of being essentially powerless in a big machine would kill me and I’d be horrendous at not saying what I really thought.

What was your worst mistake?

Generally, taking people on their word – I’m a trusting soul.

What is your ideal day away from the office?

There would be two: spending the day with the kids at the seaside (anywhere – although we do love the East Coast) or with friends and family, barbecuing, picnic, and playing rounders.

Name one person you would most like to have dinner with and why?

Probably Keith Richards or Jonny Rotten or John-Cooper Clarke.

What was your best subject at school?

I loved school and learning generally – probably history.

What are your hobbies?

My children at the moment!

What would you do if you won the Lottery?

Travel the world, following all the great sporting tournaments – F1, cricket, tennis, athletics – definitely Rio for the Olympics.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

I live in my jeans and I am quite unadventurous when it comes to clothes – starting a business has an impact on your personal income – but I also have a nice blue and white, strapless dress, that I don’t look too bad in.

What is your favourite time of the day?

Evenings during the week when I’m home with the family and I can relax.

What is the best thing about Yorkshire?

The water, because it doesn’t taste as nice anywhere else.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

She was a good person, with an appetite for knowledge and a sense of adventure.