Nancy Platts is the Labour parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion. Born in London, her extensive CV includes work with the TSSA transport trade union, the Greater London Authority, the Daycare Trust, the Maternity Alliance, the National Childbirth Trust, the Child Poverty Action Group and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. She now lives in Brighton and is a senior public affairs advocate at Consumer Focus's Disadvantage Team, campaigning for people in debt and in fear of repossession.

What was the last film you saw?

'The most recent film I saw was Control about Ian Curtis, lead singer from Joy Division, at the Duke of York's. Love Will Tear Us Apart is one of those songs that brings back memories of my teen years.'

Is there a movie character who has inspired you?

'When I was little my dad used to work nights, so I'd often sit up with my mum watching films. One of the earliest films I remember seeing with her was the story of Gladys Aylward. It was called The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness and Ingrid Bergman played Gladys. The real Gladys Aylward wasn't too impressed with the film because she felt it over-glamorised the situation and included a touch of romance that didn't really happen. As a child, of course, this all passed me by. I fell in love with the story of an independent woman's courage and strength, leading over 100 children across mountains to safety because China was being invaded by Japan. I've only ever seen the film that once, but I can remember it very clearly. Maybe I should see if it's available now on DVD – it would be good to see it again after all this time.'

What's your favourite film?

'My favourite film of all time is Brief Encounter, the David Lean tear-jerker with Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard - not to be confused with the one with the aliens! I love the story and I've also seen it performed as a play in a disused Tube station in London, under the original name Still Life that was given to it by author Noel Coward. Earlier this year, my partner Steve and I took our mums to see it at the Theatre Royal in Brighton.'

In The Loop: satirical fantasy or too close for comfort?

'I saw it on DVD and I guess it's a little bit of both.'

Who's your big-screen sex symbol?

'My partner Steve seems unconcerned by my crush on Kiefer Sutherland. It's a shame he isn't in films so much these days, but I do like 24. My favourite British actor is John Simm - you kind of want to take him home and look after him!'

What plans does the Labour Party have for the funding of British cinema?

'Labour has been supportive of the film industry since 1997, through grant aid via the UK Film Council and tax incentives. I've enjoyed some brilliant British films in the past few years, I've been a member of Picturehouse Cinemas for a long time and I count myself lucky to live within walking distance of the Duke of York's. I'd like to see more support for independent cinemas because they're vital in allowing smaller films to bubble up and find an audience.'

Do you think film has an important role to play in the local community?

'Brighton's very own Duke of York's is a classic example of how cinemas and films can play a part in the local community. By hosting fundraisers and showing important documentaries, they become a hub for inspiring change. I like the fact that they run special screenings for people with autism and for mums and dads with babies under a year old. But best of all, you can hire the cinema to watch your favourite film. Now, where's my Brief Encounter DVD gone?'

Re censorship, is the BBFC getting it right or do there need to be changes?

'Censorship is always a difficult issue. But I think it's important to ensure that children aren't exposed to unnecessarily violent films and women are protected from the impact of material glamorising rape or sexual assault. I think the more descriptive classifications are useful in helping people decide whether films are appropriate for them or their children.'

Is the planned remake of Brighton Rock a good idea?

'The Boulting Brothers brilliant Brighton Rock original is a real classic, so it's hard to see how it can be topped. And don't forget, it was very unpopular locally when first made because of its portrayal of Brighton. But anything that puts Brighton on the map, attracts tourists and brings a film crew here is welcome. I'm sure that many of Brighton's actors will be hoping for some work, too.'

And who would you like to play you in Nancy Platts: The Movie?

'Can I have Eddie Izzard? For no other reason than I think he's brilliant and really funny. And if they did make a film about me, I'd get to meet him. If he wasn't available, I'd settle for... Emma Thompson?'

Colin Houlson