Born in Prestatyn, north Wales, John Prescott, 79, left school at 15 and joined the merchant navy. He later gained a degree from the University of Hull and, in 1970, became MP for Hull East. In 1994 he was made deputy leader of the Labour party, and was deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007. He is married with two sons and holds a life peerage. He presents the Channel 5 documentary series Made In Yorkshire.

What is your greatest fear?

Finding nothing to do.

What is your earliest memory?

When I was about four, my mother made me wear a woollen swimsuit for a photograph. I shiver every time I see it.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I’m quick to anger.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

A lack of courage.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Failing my 11-plus.

Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?

Perfume for the wife, and the Jaguars. They were always secondhand. I have had every kind except the E-Type.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My weight. You don’t want to be as fat as you think you are.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?

The memory.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Always looking glum.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A trade union official.

Which book changed your life?

I am identified as a macho man, but I am not sure that’s right. A woman gave me The Women’s Room [by Marilyn French] 20 years ago and it changed my attitude.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

My mother, because I didn’t appreciate how proud she was of me being deputy prime minister. She ended up doing more press than me, and I was too sensitive and reacted.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife, even though she thinks I don’t treat her like that.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I haven’t a great deal of personal life, I just work.

How do you relax?

By working.

How often do you have sex?

What period are you talking about? I am nearly 80.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

To learn to relax and enjoy it.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Kyoto, when Tony Blair gave me the opportunity to start the first legislative framework for climate change.

What has been your closest brush with the law?

When I was 11, I set fire to a field. The fire brigade came and I ran home. My father took me to the police house and reported me. The policeman said, “I think he will be three months in jail for this, Bert,” to give me a scare.

How would you like to be remembered?

As an aggressive bugger.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

I could do with a bit more tolerance.