The man found guilty of killing his six children has been branded 'incredibly selfish' by former MP and Catholic Ann Widdecombe.
The politician met him and his family while filming a TV documentary in 2007.
She said: "He did certainly rule the roost and one got the idea that this was not a man to be crossed.
"He's incredibly selfish and thinks the world revolves around him."
Mick Philpott will be sentenced later along with his wife Mairead and friend Paul Mosley after being found guilty of manslaughter on Tuesday.
During their eight week trial Nottingham Crown Court heard how they planned to start a fire at their home in Victory Road in Derby, and blame it on Philpott's previous mistress Lisa Willis.
He'd then intended to stage a rescue to make himself look like a hero.
However, the stunt backfired when the blaze got out of control trapping six children inside. Jade Philpott who was 10, John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, died at the scene on May 11th last year.
Thirteen-year-old Duwayne, who was Mairead Philpott's son from a previous relationship, died later in hospital. Derbyshire Police labelled it one the most upsetting cases it had ever dealt with.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "This is a shocking case for everyone involved.
"Six young children lost their lives needlessly in a fire and all our efforts have been focussed on getting justice for those children.
"My thoughts at this time are very much for the friends and relations of the children who have been affected by the events on Victory Road on May 11 last year.
"It was a long and difficult inquiry which involved more than 100 officers and police staff at its peak.
"Everyone was determined to find out the truth behind this fire and who was responsible for setting it in the house."
Neighbour Darren Butler tried to save the youngsters on the night of the fire and says Philpott's behaviour was odd.
"It just didn't look right.
"His whole demeanour wasn't right; he wasn't acting like a father would."
Jurors heard Philpott, who was father to a total of 17 children by five different women, had been violent and controlling towards his former live-in mistress, Lisa Willis. When she left, taking her children, he became "obsessed with getting Lisa and the kids back".
The jury returned unanimous decisions on Mosley and Mick Philpott, while Mairead Philpott was convicted by a majority. The couple's families released statements saying they thought "justice had been served". The Judge says sentencing won't happen before 15.00pm this afternoon.