We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?

A bowl of Special K. Followed by another half bowl of Special K and a couple of Shreddies – soggy leftovers from the kids.

Sum up what you do at The Sunday Times in the shortest sentence possible.

Investigate public interest stories.

Lay a bit of context on that?

I form one half of The Sunday Times Insight investigations team with my colleague Jonathan Calvert. We’ve been working together for six years now.

We try to tell revelatory stories that expose significant wrongdoing. To do so, we use a variety of techniques including undercover work, data interrogation along with old fashioned shoe-leather journalism.

Our work together has included investigations into FIFA corruption, doping in world athletics, SAS war crimes, human trafficking in the UK, the Prime Minister’s conflicts of interests over his affair with an American model and, most recently, the UK government’s response to the pandemic.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I considered The Sunday Times Insight team to be the pinnacle of investigative journalism in the UK so I was honoured to be asked to join. Once I started though I did, and still do, feel pressure to live up to its illustrious past.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

The hardest bit is starting off. Where will we find the next scoop? It’s always a daunting position to be in.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

I’m afraid I can’t tell you any of those for obvious reasons.

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

Who is your role model? And why?

My younger brother Ned. He’s the kindest of men and when it comes down to it, that’s all that counts.

What is your most treasured possession?

My walking boots. I’m a hiking obsessive.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Rupert Grint

Last holiday destination? And why?

Pembrokeshire beach holiday last summer. Minimal sun cream required, kids love it and it’s peaceful.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?

Take time out to hike the Himalayas and learn to sail properly

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Pursue your passions. You spend far too much of your life doing your job not to enjoy it.

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

Be ambitious with your ideas. You are given time to work on stories, but it’s only worthwhile if it could make the front page.

Tell us something not many people know about you…?

I once covered Prince Harry’s royal tour of Brazil because the royal correspondent was on maternity leave. As the press pack followed the red-haired prince through a favela, my friends watching the BBC coverage back in the UK were surprised to see the camera mistakenly trained on me for a good couple of minutes. I don’t think Harry was thrilled at the mix-up.

Who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests?

Christopher Hitchens, Billy Connolly, Tim Minchin