I have interviewed countless politicians over the years, of many a persuasion. Never before has one seen fit, while outlining her electoral credentials, to dwell on the pornographic films she has made in her lounge.

Anna Arrowsmith, also known as Anna Span, is the new Liberal Democrat candidate for Gravesham in Kent. She is also the auteur of hundreds of “female-friendly” porn films. Her neighbours in Tunbridge Wells may or may not be disgusted to learn that some of these, including Be My Toyboy, were shot in the front room.

There are unlikely to be many others “who can claim that”, says the managing director of Easy on the Eye Productions as she surveys her party colleagues gathering for their conference in a Birmingham hotel. Dressed in black jeans, cardigan and shirt buttoned to the neck, she could be any Liberal Democrat activist discussing the issues of the day before heading over to the conference hall. As the hotel guests mill around us, Ms Arrowsmith recalls what made her reputation as a campaigner.