Growing up and working on a farm, I learnt the value of hard work. Witnessing my parents struggle but persevere, showed me how Conservative values such as hard work and individual responsibility can steer a family through the good and the bad.
This shaped my future; leading to a successful career working Internationally with the “Board” at Resorts Condominium International and then as Regional Director at TMP Worldwide.
Later with raising a family, I set up my own successful outplacement business. “ The Career Consultancy” championing the principles of work ethic and reward. Alongside this, I held a non executive board position in furniture retailing for New Heights/ Sofa Workshop, seeing the expansion of stores from 10 to 56 across the UK.
I also became a Magistrate serving as Chairman of the criminal bench and in the family law courts too. With a driving sense of justice, I have put public service at the forefront of my career and which was why I also entered politics.
As Deputy Leader for conservative run Northamptonshire County (an authority with a £1.2billion budget) and then Unitary Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth; I took the lead in getting a grip of the public finances. Working with government commissioners and CIPFA the structures created, led to over £100m a year in annual savings and £100m in reserves.
This has led to the new authority of West Northamptonshire being voted “Best Finance Team” for the UK by CIPFA
I am currently President of Northampton South Conservative Association and Vice President of South Northamptonshire Conservative Association. I served as Chairman for a number of year; where I orchestrated the most successful election in the history of the association securing 25/27 seats and taking from Lib Dem and Labour strongholds.
In 2022, I lost a dear friend to Pancreatic Cancer within just 10 days of diagnosis. So in his memory, I decided to become an Ambassador for Cancer Research UK, feeding into government policy and lobbying government. I have recently helped pilot an ambassadors mentoring programme. I will now work across all parties in supporting other ambassadors to navigate the political system.
I have previously served as District Councillor at South Northants District Council and then within 6 months of being elected to county, was elevated to the largest budget responsible for Adult Social Care and Public Health.
VOLUNTARY
I have held a life long interest in food production, nutrition and health. As part of the nations “Prevention Agenda” I am keen to ensure we become less reliant on food imports and the population lives their best life through a balanced, healthy, affordable diet.
In keeping with family tradition, I set up my own cattle small farm-holding for 15 years. (now no longer) but I still strategically feed into the food industry through the rural conservative policy forum and Rural Policy Group.
I worked with the homeless for 5 years supporting the most vulnerable in the community back into work. I have also coached on business skills for A level students and facilitated the opening of a Frank Bruno mental health facility near Northampton.