Vicky Pryce: Prison had a 'positive' effect not 'a lasting, negative impact'

Vicky Pryce, the ex-wife of disgraced former Cabinet member Chris Huhne, told ITV News that prison had a "positive" effect and not "a lasting, negative impact."

Ms Pryce and the former Liberal Democrat minister were both jailed for eight months after she took speeding points for him.

Asked about Mr Huhne's role in the points scandal, his ex-wife said she had "no view at all" and she did not publicly apologise for her actions as the former minister previously did.

However, Ms Pryce said she accepted her punishment.

She told ITV News political correspondent Romilly Weeks that in prison she became "institutionalised quite quickly" and that she learned a lot about herself.

Ms Pryce said her experience had been a "huge eye-opener" and now she was looking forward to "life after" prison.

She added that she would "never been able to survive without support of family and friends."

Speaking of her experience in East Sutton Park prison near Maidstone, she said "you learn how to navigate through the system to survive".

Asked what her biggest regret was, Ms Pryce said: "I have to admit I decided that whatever has happened is in the past and there's no point on dwelling over it and I have to look forward".

Ms Pryce was speaking to launch her new book, Prisonomics, the royalties from which are going to the charity Working Chance, which finds work for offenders reaching the end of their sentences and ex-offenders.

The book looks at the cost of keeping women in prison and how the system works.

Ms Pryce also spoke about how other prisoners were convinced that she would end up on celebrity television shows.

Asked whether this was something she would now pursue, Ms Pryce said she would not take part in a reality television show but she had been asked to appear "on everything".

She said Have I Got News For You, Celebrity Big Brother and I'm A Celebrity had approached her but she rejected all of the offers.